[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.