BY
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A
PROCLAMATION
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese planes
thundered over Hawaii, dropping bombs in an unprovoked act of war against
the United States. The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400
Americans. It nearly destroyed our Pacific Fleet, but it could not shake
our resolve. While battleships smoldered in the harbor, patriots from
across our country enlisted in our Armed Forces, volunteering to take up
the fight for freedom and security for which their brothers and sisters
made the ultimate sacrifice. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we
pay tribute to the souls lost 73 years ago, we salute those who responded
with strength and courage in service of our Nation, and we renew our
dedication to the ideals for which they so valiantly fought.
In the face of great tragedy at Pearl Harbor -- our first
battle of the Second World War -- our Union rallied together, driven by the
resilient and unyielding American spirit that defines us. The millions of
Americans who signed up and shipped out inspired our Nation and put us on
the path to victory in the fight against injustice and oppression around
the globe. As they stormed the beaches of Normandy and planted our flag in
the sands of Iwo Jima, our brave service members rolled back the tide of
tyranny in Europe and throughout the Pacific theater. Because of their
actions, nations that once knew only the blinders of fear saw the dawn of
liberty.
The men and women of the Greatest Generation went to war and
braved hardships to make the world safer, freer, and more just.As we
reflect on the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, we remember why America gave so
much for the survival of liberty in the war that followed that infamous
day. Today, with solemn gratitude, we recall the sacrifice of all who
served during World War II, especially those who gave their last full
measure of devotion and the families they left behind. As proud heirs to
the freedom and progress secured by those who came before us, we pledge to
uphold their legacy and honor their memory.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has
designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2014, as National Pearl
Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn
day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and
individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this
December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of
their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth
day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
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1 comment:
God bless our great President! God bless the USA and all our vets. We have a great country and leader!
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