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Flags half staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day |
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December 7, 2016 |
A Proclamation by President Barack Obama
Seventy-five years ago, Japanese fighter planes
attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl
Harbor, destroying much of our Pacific Fleet and
killing more than 2,400 Americans. The following
day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on
the Congress to declare war and "make it very
certain that this form of treachery shall never
again endanger us."
In that spirit, Americans came together to pay
tribute to the victims, support the survivors,
and shed the comforts of civilian life to serve
in our military and fight for our Union. Each
year on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day,
we honor those whose lives were forever changed
that December morning and resolve to uphold the
legacy of all who stepped forward in our time of
need.
From the docks of Pearl Harbor to the beaches of
Normandy and far around the world, brave
patriots served their country and defended the
values that have sustained our Nation since its
founding. They went to war for liberty and
sacrificed more than most of us will ever know;
they chased victory and defeated fascism,
turning adversaries into allies and writing a
new chapter in our history. Through their
service and unparalleled devotion, they inspired
a generation with their refusal to give in
despite overwhelming odds. And as we reflect on
the profound debt of gratitude we owe them for
the freedoms we cherish, we are reminded of the
everlasting responsibilities we have to one
another and to our country.
In memory of all who lost their lives on
December 7, 1941 -- and those who responded by
leaving their homes for the battlefields -- we
must ensure the sacrifices they made in the name
of liberty and democracy were not made in vain.
On this solemn anniversary, there can be no
higher tribute to these American patriots than
forging a united commitment to honor our troops
and veterans, give them the support and care
they deserve, and carry on their work of keeping
our country strong and free.
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, 2016, 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 sixth day of December, in the year of our
Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and forty-first. |
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