[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Pages 486-487]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6983--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1997

April 8, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout the annals of American military history, our men and 
women in uniform have placed themselves in great peril for the benefit 
of our Nation. Many of these courageous guardians of our freedoms have 
been held against their will as prisoners of war. The American people, 
including those now serving in our Armed Forces, continue to hold in the 
highest esteem these men and women who suffered the loss of their 
personal freedom and, in some instances, their lives.
    Although there is no threat of a major conflict in our immediate 
future, we face continuing military challenges, and our Armed Forces 
still deploy ``in harm's way'' to maintain American interests and 
stability throughout the world. Whether attempting to keep the peace in 
Bosnia, evacuating American citizens from Albania, or patrolling the 
world's seas and skies, our service men and women risk capture by 
unfriendly foreign forces.
    American prisoners of war have always proudly struggled for their 
freedom and have demonstrated a profound dedication to their country. 
Although international law, as set forth in the Geneva Convention, 
confers a protected status on prisoners of war, many Americans faced 
difficult conditions, including torture, but they persevered, taking 
comfort in their love of God, family, and country. We can never know the 
extent of the brutality and hardships many of them encountered, but we 
can express our sincere admiration for their courage and bravery.
    As we observe National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we 
honor and recognize all American service personnel who endured detention 
or captivity in the service of their Nation. We take comfort in knowing 
that despite enduring daily physical and mental trials, many survived 
and returned to productive lives at home. But we remember and pay homage 
and respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while in enemy 
hands. Today, we enjoy the freedoms that generations of American men and 
women have fought to defend. Let us extend to Americans who were 
prisoners of war, and to their families, our profound gratitude for 
their unselfish contribution to the preservation of our country. We will 
never forget.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 
1997, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon 
all Americans to join in remembering former American prisoners of war 
who suffered the hardships of enemy captivity. I also call upon Federal, 
State, and local government officials and private organizations to 
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
    In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of 
the Independence of the Unit

[[Page 487]]

ed States of America the two hundred and twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 9, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
10.