[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 14 (Monday, April 12, 1999)]
[Page 620]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7182--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1999

April 9, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    ``We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country . 
. . .'' With these simple words, Navy Commander Jeremiah Denton, 
released in 1973 from North Vietnam with his companions after the 
longest wartime captivity of any group of Americans in our history, 
summed up the courage, selflessness, and indomitable spirit of 
generations of American prisoners of war.
    For more than two centuries, Americans have risked and lost their 
own freedom to defend democracy, preserve America's liberty and values, 
and protect our national interests around the world. In Andersonville or 
along the Yalu River, confined in Nazi stalags or enduring torture in 
the Hanoi Hilton, our prisoners of war have set an extraordinary example 
of valor, patriotism, and devotion to duty in the face of enormous 
hardship and adversity. The somber black and white POW/MIA flag serves 
as a reminder of their sacrifice and symbolizes our Nation's deep 
concern for and steadfast commitment to these brave Americans and their 
families.
    But, however dark and trying the ordeal for our prisoners of war, 
their sacrifices did indeed serve a grand purpose. Inspired by their 
bravery in captivity, our Nation has been resolute in its defense of 
liberty. And, because of their sacrifice, the United States today is 
strong, free, and prosperous, looking forward to a future of limitless 
possibility.
    Today we pay special tribute to our Nation's former prisoners of war 
and their families and express our heartfelt gratitude for their many 
sacrifices. They have embodied the ideals of a strong people and a free 
Nation. They have represented America at its best, and they have served 
a grateful Nation with honor, dignity, and distinction. As we honor 
them, let us also keep foremost in our thoughts and prayers Staff 
Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone, and 
Specialist Steven Gonzalez of the United States Army as they endure 
unjust captivity in Yugoslavia and as we work for their safety and swift 
release.
    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, 
1999, 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-nine, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:46 a.m., April 12, 
1999]

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