Proclamation 9551-National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2016
Issued 2016-12-06 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
On December 6, 2016, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation designating December 7, 2016, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This proclamation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which destroyed much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and killed more than 2,400 Americans. The proclamation honors those who lost their lives that day and those who subsequently served in World War II, recognizing their sacrifice in defending liberty and defeating fascism.
This proclamation affects all Americans by encouraging them to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor military personnel, past and present. It also directs all federal agencies and interested organizations to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff on December 7 in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
This type of ceremonial proclamation has been issued by presidents since George Washington and falls within long-standing executive tradition. It does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens—it simply expresses the President's call for national remembrance on behalf of the country. Congress previously designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day through Public Law 103-308.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9551-National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to pearl harbor remembrance. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9551—National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2016 December 6, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Seventy-five years ago, Japanese fighter planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, destroying much of our Pacific Fleet and killing more than 2,400 Americans. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on the Congress to declare war and "make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us." In that spirit, Americans came together to pay tribute to the victims, support the survivors, and shed the comforts of civilian life to serve in our military and fight for our Union. Each year on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor those whose lives were forever changed that December morning and resolve to uphold the legacy of all who stepped forward in our time of need. From the docks of Pearl Harbor to the beaches of Normandy and far around the world, brave patriots served their country and defended the values that have sustained our Nation since its founding. They went to war for liberty and sacrificed more than most of us will ever know; they chased victory and defeated fascism, turning adversaries into al