[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7770 of April 9, 2004


 
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans look to our veterans as examples of honor and patriotism.
These loyal citizens have risked capture, imprisonment, and their lives

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118 STAT. 4119

to protect our homeland and advance freedom abroad. As we observe
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor brave
Americans who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of
hardship and terror.
Today, nine out of ten former prisoners of war are veterans of World War
II. These Americans helped to liberate millions and defeat tyranny
around the world, and survived unspeakable horrors for the cause of
freedom. From enduring hard labor in German and Japanese POW camps to
the torturous Bataan Death March, these proud patriots showed strength
of character and incredible resolve in captivity. Their devotion to duty
and love of country stand as a measure of service few others will
attain.
America will never forget these quiet heroes and all of our former
prisoners of war who suffered adversity in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian
Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, Iraq, and other conflicts. Our Nation is grateful
to our former prisoners of war for their sacrifice to help protect the
democratic ideals that make our country strong. Because of the
dedication of these men and women in uniform, people in our own country
and in lands far away can live in freedom. These citizens inspire us,
and we will always remember their service for liberty's blessings.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2004, as National
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all Americans to
join me in remembering all former American prisoners of war who suffered
the hardships of enemy captivity. I also call upon Federal, State, and
local government officials and private organizations to observe this day
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7771--APR. 13, 2004