[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 14 (Monday, April 8, 2002)]
[Pages 567-568]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2002

 April 4, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our Nation's history, patriotic Americans have responded 
to the call to defend our freedoms. During war and peace, American 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have stood vigilant, prepared, 
and willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect our Nation. We 
owe the liberties we have today to their brave service.
    Americans who bear the title ``Former Prisoner of War'' are national 
heroes. Their service to our country placed them in dire circumstances, 
causing their capture and imprisonment by our country's enemies. These 
heroes suffered great adversity and sacrificed much for freedom and for 
the future of America.
    This year, as we remember our former prisoners of war (POWs), we 
also mark the 60th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Many of the 
American soldiers who defended Corregidor, until they were overwhelmed 
by enemy forces, never made it to prison camp. Many were killed 
outright, and many died after enduring unspeakable horrors. For those 
who survived the march, the war entered a new phase: the struggle 
against their captors. By enduring tremendous hardships and 
humiliations, and in gallantly supporting their fellow prisoners, these 
Americans exemplified the best of our Nation's spirit.
    The families of POWs also spent long, lonely years without knowing 
whether they would ever see their loved ones again. As we remember our 
former POWs, we must also remember their families and friends who 
suffered along with them. Our Nation must never forget their courage.
    Today, former POWs from across America work to assist their former 
comrades and their families to cope with the painful memories of the 
suffering that life as a POW inflicted. These courageous heroes have 
important and powerful stories to share, which can and should serve as 
an inspiration to succeeding generations. Through these efforts, former 
POWs have established a simple but enduring legacy, which ensures that 
their heroism and that of their fallen or missing comrades will not be 
forgotten.
    On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we recognize the 
sacrifice of our former POWs and remember with honor their heroism. We 
also pledge that we will work to ensure that future generations will 
understand and appreciate the courage and contributions of these 
selfless heroes.
     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, 2002, as 
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all the 
people of the United States to join me in remembering

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former American prisoners of war by honoring the memory of their 
sacrifices. 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 fourth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

Note: At the time of publication, this Proclamation had not been 
received by the Office of the Federal Register for assignment of a 
Proclamation number. An original was not available for the verification 
of the text of this Proclamation.