For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 4, 2002
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our Nation's history, patriotic Americans have responded
to the call to defend our freedoms. During war and peace, American
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have stood vigilant, prepared,
and willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect our Nation. We
owe the liberties we have today to their brave service.
Americans who bear the title "Former Prisoner of War" are national
heroes. Their service to our country placed them in dire
circumstances, causing their capture and imprisonment by our country's
enemies. These heroes suffered great adversity and sacrificed much for
freedom and for the future of America.
This year, as we remember our former prisoners of war (POWs), we
also mark the 60th anniversary of the Bataan Death March. Many of the
American soldiers who defended Corregidor, until they were overwhelmed
by enemy forces, never made it to prison camp. Many were killed
outright, and many died after enduring unspeakable horrors. For those
who survived the march, the war entered a new phase: the struggle
against their captors. By enduring tremendous hardships and
humilia-tions, and in gallantly supporting their fellow prisoners,
these Americans exemplified the best of our Nation's spirit.
The families of POWs also spent long, lonely years without knowing
whether they would ever see their loved ones again. As we remember our
former POWs, we must also remember their families and friends who
suffered along with them. Our Nation must never forget their courage.
Today, former POWs from across America work to assist their former
comrades and their families to cope with the painful memories of the
suffering that life as a POW inflicted. These courageous heroes have
important and powerful stories to share, which can and should serve as
an inspiration to succeeding generations. Through these efforts,
former POWs have established a simple but enduring legacy, which
ensures that their heroism and that of their fallen or missing comrades
will not be forgotten.
On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we recognize
the sacrifice of our former POWs and remember with honor their
heroism. We also pledge that we will work to ensure that future
generations will understand and appreciate the courage and
contributions of these selfless heroes.
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, 2002, as National Former Prisoner of War
Recognition Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to
join me in remembering former American prisoners of war by honoring the
memory of their sacrifices. 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 fourth
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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