[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 69 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17681-17682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9475]
[[Page 17679]]
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Part IV
The President
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Proclamation 6983--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
1997
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 17681]]
Proclamation 6983 of April 8, 1997
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
1997
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout the annals of American military history, our
men and women in uniform have placed themselves in
great peril for the benefit of our Nation. Many of
these courageous guardians of our freedoms have been
held against their will as prisoners of war. The
American people, including those now serving in our
Armed Forces, continue to hold in the highest esteem
these men and women who suffered the loss of their
personal freedom and, in some instances, their lives.
Although there is no threat of a major conflict in our
immediate future, we face continuing military
challenges, and our Armed Forces still deploy ``in
harm's way'' to maintain American interests and
stability throughout the world. Whether attempting to
keep the peace in Bosnia, evacuating American citizens
from Albania, or patrolling the world's seas and skies,
our service men and women risk capture by unfriendly
foreign forces.
American prisoners of war have always proudly struggled
for their freedom and have demonstrated a profound
dedication to their country. Although international
law, as set forth in the Geneva Convention, confers a
protected status on prisoners of war, many Americans
faced difficult conditions, including torture, but they
persevered, taking comfort in their love of God,
family, and country. We can never know the extent of
the brutality and hardships many of them encountered,
but we can express our sincere admiration for their
courage and bravery.
As we observe National Former Prisoner of War
Recognition Day, we honor and recognize all American
service personnel who endured detention or captivity in
the service of their Nation. We take comfort in knowing
that despite enduring daily physical and mental trials,
many survived and returned to productive lives at home.
But we remember and pay homage and respect to those who
made the ultimate sacrifice while in enemy hands.
Today, we enjoy the freedoms that generations of
American men and women have fought to defend. Let us
extend to Americans who were prisoners of war, and to
their families, our profound gratitude for their
unselfish contribution to the preservation of our
country. We will never forget.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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, 1997, as National
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all
Americans to join 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, programs,
and activities.
[[Page 17682]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-seven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-first.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 97-9475
Filed 4-9-97; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
