Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4790

 124 STAT. 4764 PROCLAMATION 8614—DEC. 7, 2010 a hallmark of our American identity. In commemorating five decades of protection and conservation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, I encourage all Americans to recognize the beauty and diversity of all of America’s open spaces. We are all stewards and trustees of this land, and we must ensure that our treasured wilderness and other natural areas will be part of our national heritage for generations to come. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Decem- ber 6, 2010, as the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I call upon all Americans to observe this anniversary with ap- propriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8614 of December 7, 2010 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Nearly 70 years ago, on December 7, 1941, our service members and civilians awoke on a quiet Sunday to a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces. Employing whatever weapons were at hand, those who defended Hawaii that fateful morning stand as examples of the selfless heroism that has always characterized the Armed Forces of the United States. More than 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded, and the images of burning battleships and the grief for lives lost were forever seared into our national memory. The deadly attack on Pearl Harbor did not accomplish its mission of breaking the American spirit. Instead, it reinforced our resolve. Ameri- cans responded with unity and courage to a tragedy that President Franklin D. Roosevelt called ‘‘a date which will live in infamy.’’ In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, thousands of resolute individuals imme- diately volunteered their service to a grieving Nation. Sixteen million of America’s sons and daughters served during World War II, and more than 400,000 paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of life and liberty. Countless other patriots served on the home front, aiding the war effort by working in manufacturing plants, participating in rationing pro- grams, or planting Victory gardens. In the face of great loss, America once again showed the resilience and strength that have always charac- terized our great country. The Allied Forces battled the scourge of tyranny and ultimately spread the transformative march of freedom. As we recognize the 65th anni- versary of the end of World War II this year, we honor not only those who gave their lives that December day, but also all those in uniform who travelled to distant theaters of war to halt the progression of totali-