    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10008 of April 8, 2020
    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    Since our founding, brave men and women who have selflessly answered the
    call of duty to defend our precious liberty have shaped the fabric of
    our Nation. In the course of fighting for our freedom and security, many
    of these heroes have been captured and often subjected to shocking
    conditions and unimaginable torture. On National Former Prisoner of War
    Recognition Day, we honor the more than 500,000 American warriors
    captured while protecting our way of life. We pay tribute to these
    patriots for their unwavering and unrelenting spirit.
    In every major conflict in our Nation's history, American prisoners of
    war (POWs) have stared down our enemies, knowing at any moment their
    captors might torture them yet again or even kill them. These patriots,
    however, knew that they were fighting for something much larger than
    individual survival. They persevered for the sake of their fellow POWs,
    comrades in arms, families, and country.
    Later this year, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the
    conclusion of World War II. Over the course of the war, nearly 94,000
    American troops in the European Theater and an additional 27,000 in the
    Pacific Theater were captured and held as POWs. Subjected to star-

    [[Page 5229]]

    vation, lack of medical care, and unimaginable suffering, these Americans
    endured hell on Earth. The POWs who returned home were forever changed.
    Many bore the seen and unseen scars and wounds of war, having
    experienced the worst of humanity.
    Though we can never fully understand the depth of their brutal
    imprisonment and mistreatment, as Americans, it is our duty to ensure
    all former POWs receive the love, care, compassion, appreciation, and
    support they deserve. It is our national obligation to remain mindful of
    the tremendous sacrifices they, their family members, and their loved
    ones endured over months and years of uncertainty, worry, and heartache.
    May the stories of these warriors inspire us to live each day with
    fierce conviction, indomitable will, and everlasting pride for our
    country.
    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, 2020, as
    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon Americans
    to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all 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 twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP