[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.