[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 9, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 15871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9032]
[[Page 15869]]
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Part II
The President
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Proclamation 6879--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
1996
Executive Order No. 12998--Amendment to Executive Order No. 11880
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 9, 1996 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 15871]]
Proclamation 6879 of April 5, 1996
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
1996
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our history, America's Armed Forces have
stood proudly in defense of the United States and of
freedom everywhere. Countless courageous service men
and women have given their lives for our Nation, and
many others have sacrificed their own freedom as
prisoners of war so that the cause of liberty might
prevail.
Enduring with patience and determination, prisoners of
war are a powerful reminder that the indomitable spirit
of the American soldier cannot be broken, even by
brutal treatment in violation of international law and
morality. In Nazi Germany, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam,
and Iraq, prisoners of war repeatedly demonstrated
their devotion to duty, honor, and country, despite the
often terrible suffering inflicted upon them by their
captors.
On this day and throughout the year, let us honor all
who have borne the indignities of captivity in service
to our country, remember the brave soldiers who died as
prisoners in foreign lands during our Nation's past
struggles, and recognize those at home who anxiously
awaited their loved ones' return. Their faith in God,
love of family, and trust in our Nation are an
inspiration to all Americans, and we will always
remember their sacrifices.
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, 1996, as National
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I ask all
Americans to join me in honoring former American
prisoners of war who suffered at the hands of our
enemies, and I call upon Federal, State, and local
officials and private organizations to observe this day
with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 96-9032
Filed 4-8-96; 12:26 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P
