[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15729-15730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07775]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 15729]]


                Proclamation 9722 of April 6, 2018

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since the days of the American Revolution, brave men 
                and women have selflessly answered the call to protect 
                and defend our great Nation. During the conflicts of 
                the past two centuries, more than 500,000 United States 
                service members have been captured and held as 
                prisoners of war (POWs). National Former Prisoner of 
                War Recognition Day honors these American patriots, who 
                each paid an extraordinary price to help preserve our 
                liberty.

                This year commemorates several significant military 
                anniversaries, including the centennial observance of 
                the Armistice that ended World War I, the 75th 
                anniversary of the Battle of Kasserine Pass in World 
                War II, the 65th anniversary of the Korean Armistice 
                Agreement, the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's 
                Tet Offensive, and the 25th anniversary of the Battle 
                of Mogadishu. Enemy forces captured and imprisoned 
                American service members during each of these 
                conflicts. During these battles, as with those 
                throughout our Nation's history, military personnel 
                carried out their missions undaunted by risk of capture 
                or loss of life, because of their love for each other 
                and their devotion to the principles of duty, honor, 
                and justice.

                On this day, we pay homage to the courageous warriors 
                who endured time in enemy hands and returned with honor 
                to their families. During their capture, they faced 
                loneliness, torture, hardship, separation from loved 
                ones, and uncertainty about the future. In spite of 
                unimaginable tribulations, these patriots persevered 
                and survived. They are American heroes.

                Former POWs remain actively engaged in communities 
                throughout our country. Their efforts help fellow 
                veterans and their families cope with life after 
                military service. In addition, their stories are a 
                source of inspiration for current and future 
                generations. Former POWs and loved ones of military 
                personnel who have not returned from past conflicts 
                share a unique connection. Few people can comprehend 
                the emotional toll, the loss, and the pain of 
                uncertainty the families of the fallen or captured 
                endure better than former POWs. Their encouragement, 
                understanding, and outreach helps ensure that their 
                fallen and unaccounted-for comrades are not forgotten.

                As President, I remain committed to honoring and caring 
                for former POWs. They have persevered through the 
                harshest of conditions and, thankfully, have returned 
                home to their loving families and a grateful Nation. 
                They deserve our utmost reverence and respect.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018, as 
                National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call 
                upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the 
                service and sacrifice of all our former prisoners of 
                war and to express our Nation's eternal gratitude for 
                their sacrifice. I also call upon Federal, State, and 
                local government officials and organizations to observe 
                this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 15730]]

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

[FR Doc. 2018-07775
Filed 4-11-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P