National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation establishing December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the 84th anniversary of the unprovoked 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan that drew the United States into World War II. The document reflects on the sacrifice of the 'Greatest Generation,' acknowledges the current strong alliance with Japan, and calls upon all Americans and Federal agencies to observe the solemn day with appropriate ceremonies and to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff.
Arguments For
Honoring the immense sacrifice of the 'Greatest Generation' who fought and died defending freedom, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.
Affirming the ongoing strength and importance of the security alliance between the United States and Japan, showcasing diplomatic success since World War II.
Reinforcing the importance of national vigilance and military readiness against current and future threats to American liberty, drawing lessons from historical attacks.
Fulfilling the mandate set by Congress through Public Law 103-308 to formally recognize December 7th as a day of remembrance.
Arguments Against
Some might argue that issuing a proclamation for an event already established by Congress (Public Law 103-308) is redundant or an unnecessary use of executive authority.
The proclamation's focus on the historical memory of the attack might overshadow contemporary diplomatic or defense priorities with current allies.
The reference to the 'aggressor' becoming a 'loyal ally' could be interpreted by some as glossing over the brutality of the past conflict in favor of present-day alliance politics.
Requiring all Federal agencies to fly the flag at half-staff could impose minor administrative burdens on government operations on that day.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
This introductory text section formally declares that the following document is issued by the President of the United States and is designated as a Proclamation, which is a formal public statement or decree from the President.
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 section sets the historical context by describing the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
It specifies that the attack, launched by Japan against the U.S. Pacific Fleet and airfields, was unprovoked and resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, initiating the United States' entry 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 text contrasts the Japanese objective of crushing American morale with the actual result: unifying the country and strengthening determination to fight.
It praises the courage and sacrifices of the young Americans who entered World War II, referring to them as the 'Greatest Generation,' whose actions secured American freedom.
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 part notes the transformation of diplomatic relations since the war, highlighting that Japan is now a close security partner with whom the U.S. military collaborates daily.
The enduring bond is attributed to shared commerce, history, culture, and mutual respect, showcasing peace and democracy as powerful forces.
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 proclamation emphasizes that the events of that day teach the U.S. military the necessity of remaining constantly watchful and ready to defend freedom.
It stresses that this annual remembrance day must be treated with profound respect to honor those who died protecting the nation during the attack 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 paragraph confirms the legal basis for the observance, citing that the U.S. Congress established December 7th as 'National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day' through Public Law 103-308, which has since been updated.
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 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 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
This is the operative section where the President formally declares December 7, 2025, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, exercising constitutional and legal authority.
The President encourages all citizens and organizations to observe this day solemnly, honor the military, and requires Federal agencies to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff to remember those who died at Pearl Harbor.
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.
This standard concluding clause attests to the official issuance of the proclamation, stating it was signed on December 5, 2025, which corresponds to the 250th year of American independence.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This final line indicates the signature of Donald J. Trump, identifying the President who issued the proclamation.
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