[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
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  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 71 / Friday, April 12, 2019 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 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