[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 14, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17369-17370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8703]



[[Page 17367]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8360--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
2009
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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 14, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 17369]]

                Proclamation 8360 of April 9, 2009

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 American prisoners of war exemplify the courage and 
                sacrifice that define our men and women in uniform. 
                These brave warriors have paid a massive share of the 
                costs of freedom, and our Nation will be forever in 
                their debt. Today we honor all prisoners of war by 
                recognizing the tremendous sacrifices made and the 
                hardships endured by those who fight for our freedom.

                 American prisoners of war have experienced extreme 
                conditions across the world and many have made the 
                ultimate sacrifice. Sixty-seven years ago, in the midst 
                of World War II, nearly 12,000 Americans and 76,000 
                Filipinos were captured while defending positions on 
                the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. As prisoners 
                of war, they endured the Bataan Death March, suffering 
                starvation, torture, and unspeakable conditions. 
                Thousands were randomly executed and many perished on 
                this journey. During the Korean War, more than 1,600 
                Americans died under grave conditions at the Pyok Tong 
                camp. In Vietnam's Hoa Lo Prison--the infamous Hanoi 
                Hilton--Americans endured torture and other forms of 
                inhumane treatment.

                 There are countless tales of the bravery of American 
                prisoners of war--of the burdens borne, of the acts of 
                heroism. These individuals have made great sacrifices 
                and have demonstrated an enduring faith in themselves 
                and in the United States. Their commitment calls out to 
                all Americans to live up to our Nation's highest ideals 
                and to serve our fellow citizens with equal 
                selflessness and honor. We will never forget their 
                sacrifices. Their spirit of service will inspire the 
                American people for generations to come.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by the authority vested in me 
                by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do 
                hereby proclaim April 9, 2009, as National Former 
                Prisoner of War Recognition Day, and I urge all 
                Americans to observe this day of remembrance with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 17370]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-8703
Filed 4-13-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P