[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 71 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17905-17906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9104]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 71 / Friday, April 12, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 17905]]

                Proclamation 7538 of April 4, 2002

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout our Nation's history, patriotic Americans 
                have responded to the call to defend our freedoms. 
                During war and peace, American soldiers, sailors, 
                airmen, and marines have stood vigilant, prepared, and 
                willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect our 
                Nation. We owe the liberties we have today to their 
                brave service.

                Americans who bear the title ``Former Prisoner of War'' 
                are national heroes. Their service to our country 
                placed them in dire circumstances, causing their 
                capture and imprisonment by our country's enemies. 
                These heroes suffered great adversity and sacrificed 
                much for freedom and for the future of America.

                This year, as we remember our former prisoners of war 
                (POWs), we also mark the 60th anniversary of the Bataan 
                Death March. Many of the American soldiers who defended 
                Corregidor, until they were overwhelmed by enemy 
                forces, never made it to prison camp. Many were killed 
                outright, and many died after enduring unspeakable 
                horrors. For those who survived the march, the war 
                entered a new phase: the struggle against their 
                captors. By enduring tremendous hardships and 
                humiliations, and in gallantly supporting their fellow 
                prisoners, these Americans exemplified the best of our 
                Nation's spirit.

                The families of POWs also spent long, lonely years 
                without knowing whether they would ever see their loved 
                ones again. As we remember our former POWs, we must 
                also remember their families and friends who suffered 
                along with them. Our Nation must never forget their 
                courage.

                Today, former POWs from across America work to assist 
                their former comrades and their families to cope with 
                the painful memories of the suffering that life as a 
                POW inflicted. These courageous heroes have important 
                and powerful stories to share, which can and should 
                serve as an inspiration to succeeding generations. 
                Through these efforts, former POWs have established a 
                simple but enduring legacy, which ensures that their 
                heroism and that of their fallen or missing comrades 
                will not be forgotten.

                On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we 
                recognize the sacrifice of our former POWs and remember 
                with honor their heroism. We also pledge that we will 
                work to ensure that future generations will understand 
                and appreciate the courage and contributions of these 
                selfless heroes.

                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, 2002, 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 by 
                honoring the memory of their sacrifices. I also call 
                upon Federal, State, and local government officials and 
                private organizations to observe this day with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 17906]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-9104
Filed 4-11-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P