[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8360--APR. 9, 2009

Proclamation 8360 of April 9, 2009
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

American prisoners of war exemplify the courage and sacrifice that
define our men and women in uniform. These brave warriors have paid a
massive share of the costs of freedom, and our Nation will be forever in
their debt. Today we honor all prisoners of war by recognizing the

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tremendous sacrifices made and the hardships endured by those who fight
for our freedom.
American prisoners of war have experienced extreme conditions across the
world and many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Sixty-seven years ago,
in the midst of World War II, nearly 12,000 Americans and 76,000
Filipinos were captured while defending positions on the Bataan
Peninsula in the Philippines. As prisoners of war, they endured the
Bataan Death March, suffering starvation, torture, and unspeakable
conditions. Thousands were randomly executed and many perished on this
journey. During the Korean War, more than 1,600 Americans died under
grave conditions at the Pyok Tong camp. In Vietnam's Hoa Lo Prison-the
infamous Hanoi Hilton-Americans endured torture and other forms of
inhumane treatment.
There are countless tales of the bravery of American prisoners of war-of
the burdens borne, of the acts of heroism. These individuals have made
great sacrifices and have demonstrated an enduring faith in themselves
and in the United States. Their commitment calls out to all Americans to
live up to our Nation's highest ideals and to serve our fellow citizens
with equal selflessness and honor. We will never forget their
sacrifices. Their spirit of service will inspire the American people for
generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of
the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2009, as National Former
Prisoner of War Recognition Day, and I urge all Americans to observe
this day of remembrance 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 nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA