[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9252 of April 8, 2015

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For more than two centuries, courageous patriots have fought and
sacrificed to secure the freedoms that define our Nation's character and
shape our way of life. With honor and distinction, they have borne the

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burdens of defending these values, enduring tremendous hardship so that
we might know a freer, safer, more peaceful world. On National Former
Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the women and men who traded
their liberty--and sometimes their lives--to protect our own, and we
acknowledge the profound debt of gratitude we owe these extraordinary
members of our Armed Forces.
Thousands of American servicemen and women have experienced unimaginable
trials and profound cruelty as prisoners of war. Many suffered mental
and physical torture. Often they faced starvation, isolation, and the
uncertainty of indefinite captivity. But even in their darkest moments,
these heroes displayed courage and determination. They met immense
anguish with an indomitable resolve and stood fast for the principles in
which they believed. Their sacrifice represents what is best about our
people and challenges us to live up to our Nation's highest ideals.
These warriors endured days, months, and sometimes years of
imprisonment, missing irreplaceable milestones and simple moments at
home. But they were never forgotten; they were remembered every day by
loved ones. Families, friends, and communities--sustained by unyielding
devotion through periods of painful unknown--never lost hope. And the
United States of America remained deeply committed to our profound
obligation to never leave our men and women in uniform behind.
As we reflect on the sacrifices that have made progress throughout our
world possible, we are reminded of our solemn duty to serve our former
prisoners of war, their families, and all our veterans as well as they
served us. Today, we recommit to upholding this sacred trust, and we pay
tribute to all those who have given of themselves to protect our Union.
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, 2015, 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 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA