[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