    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9102--APR. 8, 2014

    Proclamation 9102 of April 8, 2014

    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Since the earliest days of our Republic, the brave men and women of our
    Armed Forces have answered the call to serve. They have put their lives
    on the line for our Nation, and many have sacrificed their own freedom
    to safeguard ours. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
    we honor those who stood up, took an oath, put on the uniform, and faced
    immeasurable challenges far from home.
    These patriots often suffered physical and mental torture during
    captivity. Many endured starvation and isolation, not knowing when or if
    they would make it safely back to our shores. Families experienced days,
    months, and sometimes years of uncertainty, but they showed remarkable
    strength that mirrored the grit of their loved ones through long
    stretches of imprisonment. These warriors rendered the highest service
    any American can offer our country--they fought and sacrificed so that
    we might live in peace, security, and prosperity.
    Today, we are solemnly reminded of our responsibility to care for those
    who have borne these burdens for us. We recommit to honoring that sacred
    obligation--to serving our former prisoners of war, our veterans, and
    their families as well as they have served us. With unyielding pride and
    unending gratitude, let us fulfill our promises to the courageous heroes
    of generations past, to this generation of veterans, and to all who will
    follow.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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, 2014, as
    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all
    Americans to observe this day of remembrance by honoring all American
    prisoners of war, our service members, and our veterans. I also call
    upon Federal, State, and local government officials and orga

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    nizations 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 fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    eighth.
    BARACK OBAMA