[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

[[Page 3342]]

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