    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 16 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
    [Page 569]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7770--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2004

     April 9, 2004

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        Americans look to our veterans as examples of honor and patriotism.
    These loyal citizens have risked capture, imprisonment, and their lives
    to protect our homeland and advance freedom abroad. As we observe
    National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor brave
    Americans who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of
    hardship and terror.
        Today, nine out of ten former prisoners of war are veterans of World
    War II. These Americans helped to liberate millions and defeat tyranny
    around the world, and survived unspeakable horrors for the cause of
    freedom. From enduring hard labor in German and Japanese POW camps to
    the torturous Bataan Death March, these proud patriots showed strength
    of character and incredible resolve in captivity. Their devotion to duty
    and love of country stand as a measure of service few others will
    attain.
        America will never forget these quiet heroes and all of our former
    prisoners of war who suffered adversity in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian
    Gulf, Somalia, Kosovo, Iraq, and other conflicts. Our Nation is grateful
    to our former prisoners of war for their sacrifice to help protect the
    democratic ideals that make our country strong. Because of the
    dedication of these men and women in uniform, people in our own country
    and in lands far away can live in freedom. These citizens inspire us,
    and we will always remember their service for liberty's blessings.
        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, 2004, as National
    Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all Americans to
    join me in remembering all 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 two thousand four, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:31 a.m., April 12,
    2004]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April
    13. This item was not received in time for publication in the
    appropriate issue.