[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 14 (Monday, April 10, 2006)]
[Page 661]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7998--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2006

April 6, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    In every generation, America's Armed Forces have answered the call 
to duty with dedication and valor. On National Former Prisoner of War 
Recognition Day, we pay tribute to the brave patriots of the United 
States military who endured captivity because of war. These heroes 
sacrificed their personal liberty to secure a future of freedom for all 
Americans.
    While held as prisoners of war, American POWs have reflected the 
best of our country, acting with resourcefulness, bravery, and strength. 
Former POWs, such as Corporal Tibor ``Ted'' Rubin, USA, continue to 
inspire new generations to acts of courage and compassion. Liberated by 
U.S. forces from a Nazi concentration camp, Rubin enlisted in the Army 
after immigrating to the United States. He was captured and held as a 
POW during the Korean War even before he became an American citizen. His 
incredible bravery and service to his fellow POWs saved many lives and 
has left a legacy of hope and honor, and for his heroism, I had the 
great privilege to present him our Nation's highest military award, the 
Medal of Honor.
    The sacrifices of those taken as prisoners of war have helped bring 
security to American citizens and freedom to the world. With 
determination and courage, America's former POWs, their fallen and 
missing comrades, and their families have demonstrated the true spirit 
of our Nation, and they will never be forgotten.
    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, 2006, as National 
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the 
United States to join me in remembering and honoring the sacrifices of 
all American prisoners of war. I 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 fifth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:47 a.m., April 7, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
10.