National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2025
This Presidential Proclamation officially designates December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, honoring the 2,403 Americans killed in the unprovoked Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which thrust the United States into World War II. The President reflects on the courage of the "Greatest Generation," emphasizes the enduring, strong alliance with Japan today, and encourages all Americans to observe the day with reverence, including flying the U.S. flag at half-staff to remember those patriots who died defending the homeland.
Arguments For
Highlighting the historical significance of the Pearl Harbor attack serves to educate the public about a pivotal moment leading to U.S. entry into World War II.
Designating a specific day for remembrance reinforces national gratitude and respect for the service members and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation's liberty.
Acknowledging the current strong alliance with Japan underscores the transformative power of peace, diplomacy, and shared democratic values following past conflict.
Encouraging the display of the flag at half-staff provides a visible, uniform symbol of national mourning and solidarity on this solemn occasion.
Arguments Against
Some might argue that focusing resources and executive attention on historical remembrance, while important, diverts focus from contemporary national security challenges or immediate domestic needs.
The proclamation might be deemed unnecessary if commemorative activities are already adequately supported through existing military and veterans' affairs protocols.
Critics could suggest that the timing or specific emphasis of such a proclamation might be politically motivated rather than purely historical or ceremonial.
Annual repetition of the proclamation, particularly without new policy directives, might diminish its perceived impact over time.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On December 7, 1941, a peaceful Sunday morning on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was shattered by an unprovoked attack by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and the aircraft and hangars at Kaneohe, Ford Island, Barbers Point, and Hickam Field. The surprise offensive claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members and civilians and propelled our Nation into the Second World War.
This opening section establishes the document as a formal proclamation issued by the President of the United States.
It immediately recalls the surprise attack by Imperial Japan on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, noting the specific locations targeted.
The text confirms that this unprovoked offensive resulted in the deaths of 2,403 American service members and civilians, marking the event that brought the U.S. into World War II.
The Japanese mission was designed to cripple our military assets and obliterate the American spirit, but instead, the fatal attacks rallied our shattered citizenry and fueled our resolve. Young men from every corner of our country put their lives and futures on hold and were thrust into bloody and brutal battles of historic consequence that would forever change the world. Although untested in battle, these patriots, still reeling from horror and disbelief, united in a singular mission: to defeat tyranny. The exceptional courage and immeasurable sacrifices of the Greatest Generation secured our way of life and the blessings of freedom for future generations.
The proclamation describes the intent of the Japanese attack—to destroy American military power and morale—and contrasts this with the actual result: a galvanizing effect on the American populace and a reinforcement of resolve.
It honors the young people who entered the war, describing them as patriots united against tyranny.
The exceptional courage and sacrifices of this group, called the "Greatest Generation," are credited with safeguarding American existence and freedom for subsequent generations.
In the decades since the “date which will live in infamy,” the aggressor has become our loyal ally and trusted friend. Japan is one of our closest security partnerships, and our military forces work together every day to defend our common interests. We are united by commerce, history, culture, and mutual respect. Our strong alliance is a testament to the transformational power of peace, diplomacy, and democracy.
This paragraph reflects on the positive evolution of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan since the war, referring to the attack date as the "date which will live in infamy."
The text asserts that Japan is now a close security partner, with the two nations working collaboratively on defense.
The current strong bond is attributed to shared commerce, history, culture, and mutual respect, demonstrating the positive impact of peace, diplomacy, and democracy.
The lessons learned 84 years ago on that fateful day still resound with America’s exceptional fighting force. We must remain ever vigilant and prepared to annihilate any foe who dares to threaten our liberty. This annual day of remembrance must be held in the highest esteem and reverence as we honor the Americans who laid down their lives to defend our homeland on the island of Oahu and in the battles of World War II.
The decree emphasizes that the lessons from the 1941 attack remain relevant for the modern American military forces.
It asserts a commitment to perpetual vigilance against any entity threatening American liberty.
This annual day of remembrance, the proclamation states, must be treated with the highest level of respect to honor all the Americans who died defending the nation at Pearl Harbor and throughout World War II.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
This section cites the legal basis for the observance.
Congress previously designated December 7th of every year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day" through Public Law 103-308, including subsequent amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day and to accompany 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 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
Exercising constitutional and legal authority, President Donald J. Trump formally proclaims December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The President encourages all citizens to observe this serious day and directs appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor current and former military personnel.
Furthermore, the President urges all federal entities, organizations, and individuals to display the U.S. flag at half-staff to respect the patriots who died during the Pearl Harbor attack.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the concluding formal certification section of the proclamation.
It documents the official signing date of the action.
The document certifies that the President affixed his signature on December 5, 2025, which is the 250th year since U.S. Independence.