[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 18183-18184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-8581]



[[Page 18181]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 7421--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
2001
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 18183]]

                Proclamation 7421 of April 2, 2001

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From our earliest beginnings as a Nation, America has 
                been blessed with citizens who have been willing to 
                fight and die to preserve our shared ideals. We owe our 
                freedom to men and women who have responded heroically 
                to the call of patriotic duty. In times of peace and 
                war, in times of great conflict, and even in peacetime, 
                they stood tall. Facing the horrors of combat, young 
                Americans placed themselves squarely in harm's way.

                Among all these ranks of brave Americans, our living 
                former prisoners of war form a living testament to the 
                courage Americans have shown in defending liberty. 
                During World War II and the conflicts in Korea and 
                Vietnam, prisoners endured, in addition to separation 
                from their loved ones, isolation, disease, and torture. 
                More recently, American troops in the Persian Gulf 
                stood bravely in the face of enemy capture and returned 
                home with honor.

                The men and women who suffered through the atrocious 
                conditions of internment deserve our utmost gratitude 
                and respect. Their fortitude serves as an example of 
                placing the ideals of freedom and self-government above 
                one's own interests. We also owe a debt of gratitude to 
                their families for weathering agonizing uncertainty 
                while demonstrating support for their loved ones' 
                service to country.

                In World War II, patriotic Americans stepped forward 
                without hesitation to carry America's honor into 
                unknown battlefields. Many thousands gave their lives 
                as the ultimate sacrifice, both on the battlefield and 
                in the deadly prison camps of the Pacific and Europe.

                We are particularly mindful this month of anniversaries 
                reminding us of the contributions former prisoners of 
                war have made to our freedom. April marks the 
                anniversary of the first return of American POWs from 
                North Korea during Operation Little Switch. These 
                prisoners endured bitter cold and inadequate food, 
                clothing, and medical care in their brave effort to 
                stop the spread of communism.

                This April is also the 28th anniversary of the end of 
                Operation Homecoming, in which our Vietnam-era POWs 
                returned to freedom. Americans held prisoner during 
                that war, some for as long as 9 years, were subject to 
                torture and the horrors of isolation. They survived 
                only through their faith, character, and patriotism.

                On this date, we remember the sacrifices of those 
                imprisoned while serving America. We remain committed 
                to ensuring that future generations know of their 
                heroism in order to fully appreciate their courage and 
                resolve. Although they returned home safely, their 
                physical and emotional scars remain as a reminder of 
                the high price of liberty.

[[Page 18184]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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, 2001, as National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all 
                the people of the United States to join me 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 and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-8581
Filed 4-4-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P