A Proclamation on National Pearl
Harbor Remembrance Day, 2023
Flags to fly at half-staff today
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[December 07, 2023]
On
this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were
killed in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and
men, who gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We
honor the brave service members who — with the horrors of Pearl
Harbor weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on
their shoulders — answered the call to defend freedom against the
forces of fascism during World War II.
The stories of the Greatest Generation’s ultimate courage and
commitment continue to inspire an enduring sense of unity and
purpose throughout our Nation. They remind us that, in the darkest
of moments, we have the power to bend the arc of history toward a
freer and more just future. They remind us that, from death,
destruction, and division, we can build a better world — one
grounded in peace and security. They remind us that the forces of
tyranny and terrorism are no match for the flame of liberty that
burns in the hearts of free people everywhere. Above all, they
remind us that every generation can — and must — defeat democracy’s
mortal foes.
Together, we must continue to answer that call. We must continue to
honor our sacred obligation to care for our service members;
veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors — including
our World War II veterans, who dared all and risked all for our
country. With bipartisan support in the Congress, my Administration
is meeting that obligation — including now welcoming all World War
II veterans to enroll in Veterans Affairs health care services,
regardless of length of service or financial status.
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As we honor the patriots who
perished on this tragic day 82 years ago and the service members
who defended democracy in the days and years that followed, let
us carry forward their mission of forging a better future for
humankind, one of greater dignity, opportunity, and security for
all. Let us remember that we are the United States of America —
and there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated
December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Day.” Today, let us commemorate the patriots who were wounded
and who perished on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill
our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans;
and their families, caregivers, and survivors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2023, as
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans
to reflect on the courage shown by our brave service members
that day and remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give
sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that
unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested
organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the
United States at half-staff on December 7, 2023, 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 twenty-three,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. |