[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 17297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6906]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 5, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 17297]]


                Proclamation 7880 of April 1, 2005

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From the time of our Nation's founding, members of our 
                military have built a tradition of honorable and 
                faithful service. As they fought to protect our 
                security and defend our ideals, some endured the 
                extreme hardship of enemy captivity. On National Former 
                Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we remember those 
                courageous individuals taken prisoner while defending 
                our country, and we honor their extraordinary 
                sacrifices.

                America's former prisoners of war are among our 
                Nation's bravest heroes. Under the worst conditions, 
                they fought fiercely and served with honor, and they 
                continue to inspire generations with their strength and 
                perseverance. In serving our Nation, each demonstrated 
                personal courage, love of country, and devotion to 
                duty. Because of their sacrifices, and the selflessness 
                and heroism of all who have served in our Armed Forces, 
                millions of people now live in freedom, and America 
                remains the greatest force for good on Earth. On this 
                day, we honor their role in protecting our country and 
                the liberty of mankind.

                Today, our brave men and women in uniform carry on 
                their legacy--unrelenting in battle, unwavering in 
                loyalty, and unmatched in decency. As we pursue victory 
                in the war on terror, I join all Americans in 
                expressing our deepest gratitude to every service 
                member who has been a prisoner of war and to their 
                families.

                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, 2005, as National 
                Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to join me in remembering 
                former American prisoners of war by honoring their 
                sacrifices. 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 
                first day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand five, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-6906
Filed 4-4-05; 10:49 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P