[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20833-20834]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9146]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 71 / Wednesday, April 13, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20833]]


                Proclamation 8652 of April 8, 2011

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The men and women of the United States Armed Forces 
                have faced innumerable challenges while dedicating 
                their lives to the defense of our liberties. Contending 
                with perilous combat zones, deployment overseas, and 
                long absences from home, generations of service members 
                have answered America's call in its hour of need. On 
                National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, a 
                grateful Nation acknowledges a debt that can never be 
                repaid and honors those who faced the most unfathomable 
                of challenges with the utmost bravery and conviction.

                We pay solemn tribute to those American sons and 
                daughters who have endured unimaginable hardship at the 
                hands of foreign captors. Often faced with deplorable 
                physical and mental treatment, the tremendous personal 
                sacrifice of these warriors exemplifies the highest of 
                ideals--honor, duty, and selfless service. We also pay 
                tribute to the families and friends of these service 
                members, who embody the same qualities of bravery and 
                sacrifice exhibited by their loved ones, and bear a 
                burden silently measured in sleepless nights and missed 
                birthdays.

                America cherishes those veterans who have returned home 
                after imprisonment on foreign soil. We remain dedicated 
                to fulfilling the sacred trust to care for all who have 
                borne the battle. This day and every day, each of these 
                heroes holds a special place of honor in our hearts and 
                the well-earned support of a thankful Nation.

                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, 2011, 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 20834]]

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

[FR Doc. 2011-9146
Filed 4-12-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P