National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1999

Proclamation 7182 of April 9, 1999

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
1999

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

``We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve
our country . . . .'' With these simple words, Navy
Commander Jeremiah Denton, released in 1973 from North
Vietnam with his companions after the longest wartime
captivity of any group of Americans in our history,
summed up the courage, selflessness, and indomitable
spirit of generations of American prisoners of war.

For more than two centuries, Americans have risked and
lost their own freedom to defend democracy, preserve
America's liberty and values, and protect our national
interests around the world. In Andersonville or along
the Yalu River, confined in Nazi stalags or enduring
torture in the Hanoi Hilton, our prisoners of war have
set an extraordinary example of valor, patriotism, and
devotion to duty in the face of enormous hardship and
adversity. The somber black and white POW/MIA flag
serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and symbolizes
our Nation's deep concern for and steadfast commitment
to these brave Americans and their families.

But, however dark and trying the ordeal for our
prisoners of war, their sacrifices did indeed serve a
grand purpose. Inspired by their bravery in captivity,
our Nation has been resolute in its defense of liberty.
And, because of their sacrifice, the United States
today is strong, free, and prosperous, looking forward
to a future of limitless possibility.

Today we pay special tribute to our Nation's former
prisoners of war and their families and express our
heartfelt gratitude for their many sacrifices. They
have embodied the ideals of a strong people and a free
Nation. They have represented America at its best, and
they have served a grateful Nation with honor, dignity,
and distinction. As we honor them, let us also keep
foremost in our thoughts and prayers Staff Sergeant
Andrew Ramirez, Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone, and
Specialist Steven Gonzales of the United States Army as
they endure unjust captivity in Yugoslavia and as we
work for their safety and swift release.

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, 1999, as National
Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon all
Americans to join me 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 and
activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-nine, and of

the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and twenty-third.