[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9722 of April 6, 2018

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the days of the American Revolution, brave men and women have
selflessly answered the call to protect and defend our great Nation.
During the conflicts of the past two centuries, more than 500,000 United
States service members have been captured and held as prisoners of war
(POWs). National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day honors these
American patriots, who each paid an extraordinary price to help preserve
our liberty.
This year commemorates several significant military anniversaries,
including the centennial observance of the Armistice that ended World
War I, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kasserine Pass in World War
II, the 65th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the 50th
anniversary of the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, and the 25th anniversary
of the Battle of Mogadishu. Enemy forces captured and imprisoned
American service members during each of these conflicts. During these
battles, as with those throughout our Nation's history,

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military personnel carried out their missions undaunted by risk of
capture or loss of life, because of their love for each other and their
devotion to the principles of duty, honor, and justice.
On this day, we pay homage to the courageous warriors who endured time
in enemy hands and returned with honor to their families. During their
capture, they faced loneliness, torture, hardship, separation from loved
ones, and uncertainty about the future. In spite of unimaginable
tribulations, these patriots persevered and survived. They are American
heroes.
Former POWs remain actively engaged in communities throughout our
country. Their efforts help fellow veterans and their families cope with
life after military service. In addition, their stories are a source of
inspiration for current and future generations. Former POWs and loved
ones of military personnel who have not returned from past conflicts
share a unique connection. Few people can comprehend the emotional toll,
the loss, and the pain of uncertainty the families of the fallen or
captured endure better than former POWs. Their encouragement,
understanding, and outreach helps ensure that their fallen and
unaccounted-for comrades are not forgotten.
As President, I remain committed to honoring and caring for former POWs.
They have persevered through the harshest of conditions and, thankfully,
have returned home to their loving families and a grateful Nation. They
deserve our utmost reverence and respect.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018, as
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon Americans
to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all our
former prisoners of war and to express our Nation's eternal gratitude
for their sacrifice. 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 sixth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP