On Pearl Harbor Day, the American flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. On November 29, President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation declaring Decemthe first National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and it became part of the Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies section of the United States Code. On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. What domestic support for non-interventionism was left after the Fall of France in 1940 had completely disappeared. responded with a declaration of war against Germany and Italy. Roosevelt called the bombing “a date which will live in infamy.” On December 11 Germany and Italy each declared war on the U.S. In a speech to Congress that day, President Franklin D. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan, entering World War II on the side of the Allies. Within hours of the attack, Canada became the first Western nation to declare war on Japan. The surprise attack came as a shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both European and Pacific theaters. The attack, carried out by 353 Imperial Japanese aircraft in two waves, commenced at 7:48 am Hawaiian Time. Over the course of seven hours there were coordinated Japanese attacks on the United States-held Philippines, Guam, and Wake Island and on the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Japan intended this attack as a preventative action to keep the United States Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military actions against the territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States in Southeast Asia. 188 aircraft were destroyed and 159 were damaged. This attack sank four United States Navy battleships, damaged four others, damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer. The attack killed 2,403 American servicemen and injured 1,178 others. On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, without a declaration of war and without warning. Today, we remember the tragic events that took place on this fateful day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.December 7 is the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, December 7, 2009, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day." Today, and every day, we draw strength from the moment when the best among us defended an island and a Nation from the onslaught of tyranny, and forever altered the course of our history. This courage is not uncommon in the story of America - a story of heroes whose sacrifice and valor speak to their love of comrades and country and whose goodness guides our quest for lasting peace. And in the months and years that followed, Americans all across the country would respond to Pearl Harbor with firm resolve, many joining our Armed Forces to defend our shores and our freedom. In that darkest hour, men and women who had considered themselves ordinary found within themselves the ability to do something extraordinary. They defended their positions, fought back against the attackers, and cared for the wounded. ![]() Japanese airplanes had launched an unprovoked assault on our military with immense firepower, and our service members valiantly answered the call. On a tranquil Sunday morning, as war raged around the globe, the attack on Pearl Harbor effectively ended American isolation - thrusting our Nation into action. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we honor all those who selflessly served our Nation at home and abroad during World War II. ![]() Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941, a "date which will live in infamy." With over 3,500 Americans killed or wounded, the surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese on Pearl Harbor was an attempt to break the American will and destroy our Pacific Fleet. ![]() Presidential Proclamation - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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