Governors across the U.S. have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Saturday.

This year, the day marks the 83rd anniversary of the surprise attack that thrust the U.S. into World War II.

More than 2,400 American service men and women were killed in the early attack launched by Japan at the United States Navy Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Nearly 1,200 more were wounded.

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Friday, saying he was "urging 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 those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor."

The day honors "the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed on that tragic December morning 83 years ago," he said in a statement.

"And we recognize the absolute courage of the service members who, in the wake of this painful and unprovoked attack, stood up to defend democracy and stand up to fascism abroad in World War II."

Americans "must remember that they risked all, dared all, and gave all not for a person or a place—but for the idea of America," he said.

They "recognized that freedom is never guaranteed" and their "sacrifice helped deliver a world grounded in peace and security," he added. "And together, these brave women and men proved that no force—not destruction, death, or the darkness of hate—is a match for the flame of liberty that ignites the hearts of free people everywhere."

He added: "Let us commemorate the patriots who perished and who were wounded on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members; our veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors."

In response to Biden's proclamation, governors ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff on Saturday.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol and on all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard from sunrise until sunset on Saturday at the direction of the president.

"First Lady Jaime Kanani Green and I will join in solemn reflection at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to honor the lives lost on December 7, 1941," Green said in a statement.

"The day serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by the thousands of men and women whose bravery in the face of unimaginable adversity shaped the course of history. Their memory continues to inspire our dedication to peace and resilience as a state and as a nation."