    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9861 of April 8, 2019

    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the
    Americans captured and imprisoned by foreign powers while carrying out
    their duties to defend this great Nation. Throughout our history,
    hundreds of thousands of American service members have been held as
    prisoners of war (POWs), enduring harsh treatment, unforgiving
    conditions, and the anguish of being separated from their families.
    These brave Americans are true patriots, and their inspiring legacy of
    selfless courage is a testament to their fierce spirit, unshakeable
    loyalty, and enduring resilience.
    The life of World War II hero Lieutenant Louis Zamperini is a shining
    example of the extraordinary devotion that POWs maintain for their
    brothers in arms, to our country, and to the cause of freedom. After
    surviving an airplane crash and 47 terrifying days adrift in the Pacific

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    Ocean, through which he witnessed the deaths of 9 of his fellow
    crewmembers, Lieutenant Zamperini was captured by the Japanese and
    placed in a prison camp. Even though he was imprisoned and subjected to
    daily torture for 2 painstaking years, Lieutenant Zamperini never let
    his oppressors destroy his identity or allegiance to America. As much as
    they tried, he could not be broken. Indeed, after he regained his
    freedom, he inspired the world with his authentic and powerful message
    of faith and forgiveness, shaking the hands of his ruthless camp guards
    while visiting them in a Japanese prison.
    As a Nation, we must never forget or take for granted the traumatic
    ordeals of our former POWs. With honor and valor, they served to keep
    our country safe, and they stayed the course--despite conditions that
    were often harsh and agonizing.
    We must also remember that freedom from captivity does not guarantee a
    smooth transition back into civilian life. For example, upon returning
    home, Lieutenant Zamperini first struggled deeply with the aftereffects
    of his POW experience. He was eventually able to find peace, however,
    through the care of his family, the support of community, and his faith.
    Over time, he triumphed over his suffering and became a permanent
    example of forgiveness and hope.
    The Nation has a solemn duty to ensure that all former POWs are able to
    flourish upon returning home. We are grateful for the many Americans--
    including many former POWs--who have devoted their time, talent, and
    resources to fulfilling that obligation.
    Today, and every day, we renew our strong and abiding commitment to
    America's former POWs and honor the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe
    to them for their courageous service and incredible sacrifices. We also
    remember all those POWs who died while in captivity, selflessly giving
    their very lives for the sacred cause of liberty.
    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, 2019, 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 eighth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP