[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 71 (Friday, April 12, 2019)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15081-15082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07525]
[[Page 15079]]
Vol. 84
Friday,
No. 71
April 12, 2019
Part III
The President
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Proclamation 9861--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
2019
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 71 / Friday, April 12, 2019 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 15081]]
Proclamation 9861 of April 8, 2019
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
2019
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we
honor the Americans captured and imprisoned by foreign
powers while carrying out their duties to defend this
great Nation. Throughout our history, hundreds of
thousands of American service members have been held as
prisoners of war (POWs), enduring harsh treatment,
unforgiving conditions, and the anguish of being
separated from their families. These brave Americans
are true patriots, and their inspiring legacy of
selfless courage is a testament to their fierce spirit,
unshakeable loyalty, and enduring resilience.
The life of World War II hero Lieutenant Louis
Zamperini is a shining example of the extraordinary
devotion that POWs maintain for their brothers in arms,
to our country, and to the cause of freedom. After
surviving an airplane crash and 47 terrifying days
adrift in the Pacific Ocean, through which he witnessed
the deaths of 9 of his fellow crewmembers, Lieutenant
Zamperini was captured by the Japanese and placed in a
prison camp. Even though he was imprisoned and
subjected to daily torture for 2 painstaking years,
Lieutenant Zamperini never let his oppressors destroy
his identity or allegiance to America. As much as they
tried, he could not be broken. Indeed, after he
regained his freedom, he inspired the world with his
authentic and powerful message of faith and
forgiveness, shaking the hands of his ruthless camp
guards while visiting them in a Japanese prison.
As a Nation, we must never forget or take for granted
the traumatic ordeals of our former POWs. With honor
and valor, they served to keep our country safe, and
they stayed the course--despite conditions that were
often harsh and agonizing.
We must also remember that freedom from captivity does
not guarantee a smooth transition back into civilian
life. For example, upon returning home, Lieutenant
Zamperini first struggled deeply with the aftereffects
of his POW experience. He was eventually able to find
peace, however, through the care of his family, the
support of community, and his faith. Over time, he
triumphed over his suffering and became a permanent
example of forgiveness and hope.
The Nation has a solemn duty to ensure that all former
POWs are able to flourish upon returning home. We are
grateful for the many Americans--including many former
POWs--who have devoted their time, talent, and
resources to fulfilling that obligation.
Today, and every day, we renew our strong and abiding
commitment to America's former POWs and honor the
tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to them for their
courageous service and incredible sacrifices. We also
remember all those POWs who died while in captivity,
selflessly giving their very lives for the sacred cause
of liberty.
[[Page 15082]]
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, 2019, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2019-07525
4-11-19; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F9-P