    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 15 (Monday, April 17, 2000)]
    [Pages 783-784]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7289--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2000

    April 8, 2000

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        As we stand at the dawn of a new century, we reflect with pride on
    all that our Nation has accomplished in the 224 years since we first
    declared our independence. Today we enjoy unprecedented peace and
    prosperity, and, as it has for generations, America shines as a beacon
    of democracy, freedom, and opportunity for peoples around the world.
        Yet the blessings we rejoice in today were won at great cost.
    Millions of young Americans who stepped forward in times of crisis or
    conflict to defend our Nation and uphold our values around the world
    sacrificed their freedom and lost their lives. The century just past
    will forever be known as the American century, not only because of our
    economic strength, military might, and technological prowess, but also
    because of the character, determination, and indomitable spirit our
    people demonstrated time and again.
        That character and spirit have never been more evident than when
    Americans have been held captive as prisoners of war. Suffering hunger,
    fear, isolation, and uncertainty, stripped of their freedom and often
    subjected to physical and psychological torture, American POWs
    nonetheless continued to serve our Nation with honor, dignity, and
    remarkable courage. For many, the long, agonizing days stretched into
    years, and the loss of freedom and the cruel separation from family,
    home, and friends left scars that the passage of time can never erase.
        We owe a profound debt of gratitude to these heroes who stood face
    to face with the forces of tyranny and oppression, true to our country
    and to the spirit of freedom even in captivity. We owe a debt as well to
    their families, whose faith and fortitude have been an unceasing source
    of strength to our Nation in many of our darkest hours. As we observe
    this special day for the first time in this new century, let us remember
    and honor the sacrifices of America's prisoners of war and their
    families; and let us keep faith with them by remaining resolute in
    defending liberty and securing a just and peaceful world for the
    generations to come.
        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,
    2000, 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

    [[Page 784]]

    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 two thousand, and of the Independence of
    the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.
                                                William J. Clinton

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 12,
    2000]

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