[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 13, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 19751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8568]



[[Page 19749]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7770--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
2004
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 13, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 19751]]

                Proclamation 7770 of April 9, 2004

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Americans look to our veterans as examples of honor and 
                patriotism. These loyal citizens have risked capture, 
                imprisonment, and their lives to protect our homeland 
                and advance freedom abroad. As we observe National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor brave 
                Americans who have demonstrated extraordinary courage 
                in the face of hardship and terror.

                Today, nine out of ten former prisoners of war are 
                veterans of World War II. These Americans helped to 
                liberate millions and defeat tyranny around the world, 
                and survived unspeakable horrors for the cause of 
                freedom. From enduring hard labor in German and 
                Japanese POW camps to the torturous Bataan Death March, 
                these proud patriots showed strength of character and 
                incredible resolve in captivity. Their devotion to duty 
                and love of country stand as a measure of service few 
                others will attain.

                America will never forget these quiet heroes and all of 
                our former prisoners of war who suffered adversity in 
                Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, 
                Iraq, and other conflicts. Our Nation is grateful to 
                our former prisoners of war for their sacrifice to help 
                protect the democratic ideals that make our country 
                strong. Because of the dedication of these men and 
                women in uniform, people in our own country and in 
                lands far away can live in freedom. These citizens 
                inspire us, and we will always remember their service 
                for liberty's blessings.

                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, 2004, as National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all 
                Americans to join me in remembering all 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 
                ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand four, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-8568
Filed 4-12-04; 11:31 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P