For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 19, 2002
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout American history, many men and women have bravely served
in our military and sacrificed much to preserve our country and protect
the democratic ideals that make our Nation a beacon of hope. Some of
those who answered the call to service were captured in conflict and
imprisoned by our enemies; and many remain missing in action.
Each year on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor those
Americans who were prisoners of war and recognize them for the courage
and determination they showed in the face of unspeakable hardships. We
also honor those who remain unaccounted for, especially remembering the
sacrifices of their families who must courageously face each day
without knowing the fate of their loved ones.
Nearly 60 years after the end of World War II, the fate of more
than 78,000 Americans who fought in that conflict remains unknown.
More than 8,100 from the Korean War are missing, more than 120 from the
Cold War, more than 1,900 from the Vietnam War, and three from the Gulf
War. These Americans, who dedicated their lives to preserving and
protecting our freedoms, will never be forgotten.
On September 20, 2002, the flag of the National League of Families
of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia will be flown over
the White House, the Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense, and
Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service System Headquarters, the
National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial,
U.S. military installations, national cemeteries, and other locations
across our country. With this observance, we reaffirm our commitment
to those who have suffered the horrors of enemy captivity, to those who
have yet to return from battle, and to their families. We remain
dedicated to resolving discrepancy cases, achieving the fullest
possible accounting of our prisoners of war and missing in action, and
bringing them home with the honor and dignity that they deserve.
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 September 20, 2002,
as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I call upon all the people of the
United States to join me in honoring former American prisoners of war
who suffered the hardships of enemy captivity, and in renewing our
commitment to those still missing. 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 nineteenth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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