On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed on that tragic December morning 83 years ago. And we recognize the absolute courage of the soldiers who fought to defend democracy and resist fascism abroad in World War II after this painful and unprovoked attack.
As we reflect on the honors and triumphs of the Greatest Generation, we must remember that they risked everything, dared everything, and gave everything, not for one person or one place—but for the idea of ​​America. They recognized that freedom is never guaranteed: each generation had to earn and defend it in the struggle between autocracy and democracy. This service and sacrifice helped create a world based on peace and security. And together, these courageous women and men have proven that no force—neither destruction, death, nor the darkness of hate—is a match for the flame of freedom that ignites the hearts of free people everywhere.
Today we must be guardians of their mission and bearers of the flame of freedom that they always kept burning bright. That begins with fulfilling our sacred obligation to care for our service members and veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors—especially our World War II veterans, whose actions ensured the survival of democracy. That’s why my administration has begun enrolling all World War II veterans, regardless of length of service or financial status, in Veterans Affairs health services. In addition, we expanded access to benefits for those who participated in testing and cleanup operations related to World War II weapons programs, helping to combat radiation-related illnesses for veterans and civilians.
On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, may we remember the brave patriots whose lives were cut short on this day 83 years ago. May we honor all service members who gave their last measure of devotion to defend democracy in the years that followed. And may we all recommit ourselves to achieving the future they fought for – a future based on freedom, democracy, equality and opportunity for all.
Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Today, let us remember the patriots who lost their lives and were wounded on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members. our veterans; and their families, carers and survivors.
THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, hereby proclaim December 7, 2024, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage shown by our brave service members that day and to remember their sacrifices. I ask all of us to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of this 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, 2024, in honor of the American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby laid down my hand on the sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four, and in the year of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.