[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 14 (Monday, April 11, 1994)]
[Pages 701-702]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6663--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1994

April 6, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The Armed Forces of the United States of America have faced hostile 
actions in every decade of this century. Over 200,000 American service 
members are currently serving overseas, many in situations where armed 
conflict is an ever-present possibility. Recent events in Somalia and 
continuing peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and elsewhere keep us fully 
mindful of the high risks that even humanitarian missions entail.
    Over the more than two hundred years of our Independence, thousands 
of Americans have fallen into the hands of our enemies. Many did not 
survive the ordeal. Many who did return from captivity had suffered 
unrelenting indignities, physical and psychological abuse, and 
unspeakable torture.
    Despite deprivation and suffering inflicted by their captors, these 
brave Americans persevered, maintained their honor, and kept faith with 
each other and with the American people. In the Congress, in State and 
local government, and in civic organizations across the Nation, former 
prisoners of war still keep faith with America through their continued 
service in positions of leadership and trust.
    These men and women rank with our greatest patriots; no group of 
citizens is more deserving of remembrance and special recognition than 
our former prisoners of war.
    The Congress, by Public Law 103-60, has designated April 9, 1994, as 
``National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day'' and has authorized 
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of the 
occasion.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim April 9, 1994, as National Former 
Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I urge all American citizens to join in 
honoring members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been 
held as prisoners of war. I also call upon Federal, State,

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and local government officials and private 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 nineteen hundred and ninety-four, 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, 4:15 p.m., April 6, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
8.