[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 19183-19184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8673]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 14, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 19183]]


                Proclamation 8496 of April 9, 2010

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation's former prisoners of war faced tremendous 
                challenges and dangers to protect us all. Many gave 
                their last full measure of devotion to defend our 
                freedom, and we are forever in their debt. Each year, 
                on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the 
                American people pay tribute to these heroes.

                Through multiple wars, thousands of American service 
                members have faced unimaginable cruelty and unspeakable 
                treatment at the hands of foreign captors. Many 
                sacrificed their own well-being to protect their fellow 
                prisoners, the war effort, and our country. The 
                families suffered as well, unsure of their loved ones' 
                fates, just as the captured warriors were unsure of 
                what the next day would bring. Not all of these 
                courageous men and women, who persevered bravely and 
                sometimes alone, are prominently noted in our history 
                books. Yet, their stories are etched in our national 
                conscience, and their courage is enshrined in the 
                tradition of honor and bravery that is the mark of our 
                Armed Forces.

                America's former prisoners of war gave their freedom so 
                that we can enjoy our own. We may never know the full 
                extent of injuries received nor burdens borne by these 
                heroes and their families, but neither shall we forget 
                their selfless sacrifice and unshakeable resolve.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2010, as 
                National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call 
                upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance 
                by honoring our service members, veterans, and all 
                American prisoners of war. I also call upon Federal, 
                State, and local government officials and organizations 
                to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
                activities.

[[Page 19184]]

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

[FR Doc. 2010-8673
Filed 4-13-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P