[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 9, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 15871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9032]




[[Page 15869]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 6879--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
1996

Executive Order No. 12998--Amendment to Executive Order No. 11880
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 9, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 15871]]

                Proclamation 6879 of April 5, 1996

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Throughout our history, America's Armed Forces have 
                stood proudly in defense of the United States and of 
                freedom everywhere. Countless courageous service men 
                and women have given their lives for our Nation, and 
                many others have sacrificed their own freedom as 
                prisoners of war so that the cause of liberty might 
                prevail.

                 Enduring with patience and determination, prisoners of 
                war are a powerful reminder that the indomitable spirit 
                of the American soldier cannot be broken, even by 
                brutal treatment in violation of international law and 
                morality. In Nazi Germany, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, 
                and Iraq, prisoners of war repeatedly demonstrated 
                their devotion to duty, honor, and country, despite the 
                often terrible suffering inflicted upon them by their 
                captors.

                 On this day and throughout the year, let us honor all 
                who have borne the indignities of captivity in service 
                to our country, remember the brave soldiers who died as 
                prisoners in foreign lands during our Nation's past 
                struggles, and recognize those at home who anxiously 
                awaited their loved ones' return. Their faith in God, 
                love of family, and trust in our Nation are an 
                inspiration to all Americans, and we will always 
                remember their sacrifices.

                 NOW, THEREFORE I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 1996, as National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I ask all 
                Americans to join me in honoring former American 
                prisoners of war who suffered at the hands of our 
                enemies, and I call upon Federal, State, and local 
                officials and private organizations to observe this day 
                with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-9032
Filed 4-8-96; 12:26 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P