[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 14 (Monday, April 9, 2001)]
[Page 568]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7421--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2001

 April 2, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    From our earliest beginnings as a Nation, America has been blessed 
with citizens who have been willing to fight and die to preserve our 
shared ideals. We owe our freedom to men and women who have responded 
heroically to the call of patriotic duty. In times of peace and war, in 
times of great conflict, and even in peacetime, they stood tall. Facing 
the horrors of combat, young Americans placed themselves squarely in 
harm's way.
    Among all these ranks of brave Americans, our living former 
prisoners of war form a living testament to the courage Americans have 
shown in defending liberty. During World War II and the conflicts in 
Korea and Vietnam, prisoners endured, in addition to separation from 
their loved ones, isolation, disease, and torture. More recently, 
American troops in the Persian Gulf stood bravely in the face of enemy 
capture and returned home with honor.
    The men and women who suffered through the atrocious conditions of 
internment deserve our utmost gratitude and respect. Their fortitude 
serves as an example of placing the ideals of freedom and self-
government above one's own interests. We also owe a debt of gratitude to 
their families for weathering agonizing uncertainty while demonstrating 
support for their loved ones' service to country.
    In World War II, patriotic Americans stepped forward without 
hesitation to carry America's honor into unknown battlefields. Many 
thousands gave their lives as the ultimate sacrifice, both on the 
battlefield and in the deadly prison camps of the Pacific and Europe.
    We are particularly mindful this month of anniversaries reminding us 
of the contributions former prisoners of war have made to our freedom. 
April marks the anniversary of the first return of American POWs from 
North Korea during Operation Little Switch. These prisoners endured 
bitter cold and inadequate food, clothing, and medical care in their 
brave effort to stop the spread of communism.
    This April is also the 28th anniversary of the end of Operation 
Homecoming, in which our Vietnam-era POWs returned to freedom. Americans 
held prisoner during that war, some for as long as 9 years, were subject 
to torture and the horrors of isolation. They survived only through 
their faith, character, and patriotism.
    On this date, we remember the sacrifices of those imprisoned while 
serving America. We remain committed to ensuring that future generations 
know of their heroism in order to fully appreciate their courage and 
resolve. Although they returned home safely, their physical and 
emotional scars remain as a reminder of the high price of liberty.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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, 2001, as National 
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all the people of 
the United States 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 second day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 4, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
5.