[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 35 (Monday, September 6, 1993)]
[Pages 1691-1692]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6587--National POW/MIA Recognition Day

 September 3, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    This year we have witnessed major changes in the global political 
landscape. Although democracy is taking root in many new areas, the 
forces of repression pose continuing challenges around the world. 
Throughout this dynamic period, one theme rings true to all Americans: 
Our Nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to all those selfless 
members of our Armed Forces who have risked their own freedom and safety 
to defend the lives and liberty of others. As a measure of our thanks 
and as an expression of our determination to keep faith with those who 
faithfully serve and defend us, we take this occasion to remember those 
special Americans for whom an accounting has not yet been made.
    In honor of these Americans, on September 10, 1993, the flag of the 
National League of POW/MIA families will be flown over the White House; 
the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs; the 
Selective Service System headquarters; and the Vietnam Veterans 
Memorial. This black and white banner--emblematic of America's missing--
flies as a stark reminder to the world of our Nation's resolve.
    We acknowledge a continuing obligation to these casualties of war, 
America's missing service members and civilians. Our Nation remains 
committed to this cause, a matter

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of highest national priority. We renew our pledge to obtain the answers 
that the family members of these heroes deserve, recognizing the 
profound loss they have endured and their steadfast resolve to gain the 
peace of certainty.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 10, 1993, as 
National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I urge all Americans to join in 
honoring former American POWs as well as those Americans still 
unaccounted for as a result of their service to our great Nation. I also 
encourage the American people to express their gratitude to the families 
of these missing Americans for their dedication to seeking the truth and 
their determination to persevere through the many years of waiting. 
Finally, I ask State and local officials and private organizations to 
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:58 p.m., September 3, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 8.