[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H4394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, since 1987, Congress has approved 
legislation declaring April 9 as ``Former Prisoner of War Recognition 
Day.'' These men and women are among our greatest patriots and I cannot 
think of a group more deserving of remembrance and special recognition 
than our former prisoners of war.
  Under the new rules adopted at the start of this session, Congress 
will not enact commemorative legislation this year. That being the 
case, we should take the time now to honor the Americans held captive 
in past conflicts and wars.
  All those who have been prisoners of war know the true meaning of 
freedom and have paid a tremendous price for the liberty we all 
cherish. Their service and sacrifice, and that of their fellow 
veterans, make possible our way of life.
  Some of you may wonder why April 9 was chosen as a day for 
recognition for former prisoners of war. It was on April 9, 1942, that 
the largest contingent of American forces ever were taken prisoner with 
the fall of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II.
  Many of those taken prisoner did not survive the infamous Bataan 
Death March that followed or the nearly 4 years of captivity in 
deplorable prisoner of war camps throughout the Far East. Many of those 
that did survive were left with permanent disabilities from the 
brutalities that they endured.
  The 9th of April is also the day on which Gen. Robert E. Lee 
surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appatomax, VA, to end the Civil 
War between the North and South. On that day, prisoners from both sides 
were released and allowed to return home.
  While April 9 commemorates the fall of Bataan and the release of 
prisoners at the end of the Civil War, the significance of this day 
extends to all Americans who were ever held prisoner by enemy forces. 
The brutal treatment and torture to which these POW's were subjected by 
their captors in violation of fundamental standards of morality and 
international law ensured that many did not survive.
  Yet, despite the suffering inflicted upon them, American POW's have 
demonstrated an unfailing devotion to duty, honor, and country. Their 
service helped preserve our freedom through two world wars, regional 
conflicts of the cold war era, and since. They have given more than 
most Americans will be called upon to give for their country.
  Today, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, an organization comprised of 
former POW's--both military and civilian--is raising funds to build the 
National Prisoner of War Museum. This museum will be located at the 
site of the Civil War prison camp in Andersonville, GA. It will be a 
legacy for all generations that follow and will contain historic 
accounts and memorabilia that pertain to former American prisoners from 
all wars.
  Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day serves as a poignant reminder 
of the sacrifice and commitment of all the American men and women whose 
patriotism has been tested by the chains of enemy captivity.
  Their experiences underscore our debt to those who place their lives 
in harm's way and stand willing to trade their liberty for ours. As a 
Nation, we must always remember the sacrifices made by our men and 
women in uniform.
  I hope all of my colleagues will join me in paying special tribute to 
former prisoners of war. There is little we can do to repay these men 
and women, but we can recognize their invaluable contribution.


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