[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 15 (Monday, April 13, 1998)]
[Pages 625-626]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7079--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1998

April 9, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., 
are the words ``Freedom Is Not Free.'' Generations of Americans who have 
served our Nation in uniform know the truth of this inscription. They 
have paid freedom's price by leaving behind their homes, families, and 
civilian lives to serve America around the globe. They have paid the 
price by suffering injuries and even death. And some have paid the price 
for our freedom by sacrificing their own as prisoners of war.
    While in captivity, American prisoners of war have served our Nation 
with the same valor, pride, honor, and dedication as their comrades on 
the battlefield. American POWS have struggled for their freedom, armed 
with courage, wits, and an indomitable spirit. Enduring long months or 
years of hunger, abuse, torture, isolation, and the dreadful suspense of 
not knowing when--or if--they would ever be released, they have remained 
true to themselves and to our country.
    This year we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Operation 
Homecoming, when we finally achieved the release of our prisoners of war 
from captivity in Southeast Asia. We also mark the anniversary of 
Operations Big Switch and Little Switch some 45 years ago, when 
Americans held captive during the Korean War finally came home. As these 
heroes returned to the open arms of their families and the grateful 
hearts of their fellow Americans, we saw written on their faces their 
deep love for our country and the faith, determination, and sense of 
honor that had sustained them through times of unimaginable suffering.
    We can never adequately express our gratitude to those who have 
served our Nation while prisoners of war or to their families who 
experienced such anguish during years of separation. But on this day, 
and throughout the year, we can and should pay tribute to these 
extraordinary American patriots, thank them for their service and their 
sacrifice, and honor them always in our hearts.
    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, 
1998, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon 
all Americans to join me 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 and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of 
the Independence of the United

[[Page 626]]

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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 10, 
1998]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
13.