[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 69 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17681-17682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9475]



[[Page 17679]]

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Part IV





The President





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 Proclamation 6983--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
1997
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 17681]]

                Proclamation 6983 of April 8, 1997

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                1997

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout the annals of American military history, our 
                men and women in uniform have placed themselves in 
                great peril for the benefit of our Nation. Many of 
                these courageous guardians of our freedoms have been 
                held against their will as prisoners of war. The 
                American people, including those now serving in our 
                Armed Forces, continue to hold in the highest esteem 
                these men and women who suffered the loss of their 
                personal freedom and, in some instances, their lives.

                Although there is no threat of a major conflict in our 
                immediate future, we face continuing military 
                challenges, and our Armed Forces still deploy ``in 
                harm's way'' to maintain American interests and 
                stability throughout the world. Whether attempting to 
                keep the peace in Bosnia, evacuating American citizens 
                from Albania, or patrolling the world's seas and skies, 
                our service men and women risk capture by unfriendly 
                foreign forces.

                American prisoners of war have always proudly struggled 
                for their freedom and have demonstrated a profound 
                dedication to their country. Although international 
                law, as set forth in the Geneva Convention, confers a 
                protected status on prisoners of war, many Americans 
                faced difficult conditions, including torture, but they 
                persevered, taking comfort in their love of God, 
                family, and country. We can never know the extent of 
                the brutality and hardships many of them encountered, 
                but we can express our sincere admiration for their 
                courage and bravery.

                As we observe National Former Prisoner of War 
                Recognition Day, we honor and recognize all American 
                service personnel who endured detention or captivity in 
                the service of their Nation. We take comfort in knowing 
                that despite enduring daily physical and mental trials, 
                many survived and returned to productive lives at home. 
                But we remember and pay homage and respect to those who 
                made the ultimate sacrifice while in enemy hands. 
                Today, we enjoy the freedoms that generations of 
                American men and women have fought to defend. Let us 
                extend to Americans who were prisoners of war, and to 
                their families, our profound gratitude for their 
                unselfish contribution to the preservation of our 
                country. We will never forget.

                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, 1997, as National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all 
                Americans to join in remembering former American 
                prisoners of war who suffered the hardships of enemy 
                captivity. I also call upon Federal, State, and local 
                government officials and private organizations to 
                observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, 
                and activities.

[[Page 17682]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 97-9475
Filed 4-9-97; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P