National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2001

Proclamation 7469 of September 21, 2001

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The noble ideals that became our Nation's
constitutional foundation were formed over two
centuries ago in the hearts of courageous patriots who
risked their lives in the name of liberty and justice.
Throughout our history, American patriots have risen to
answer the call when the enemies of freedom have
jeopardized our liberties. Our military history is
replete with heroes who put love of country above their
own well-being. In answering the call to defend our
ideals, generations of brave Americans have left home
and family to protect our great Nation, some never to
return.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is notably significant
for many American families. It reminds us of the men
and women who withstood great hardship while imprisoned
by our Nation's enemies; and it reminds us of those
still missing, loved ones lost at war but whose fate is
not yet fully known. We will not forget these patriots
who were willing to give their all to preserve and
protect our freedoms.

Nearly 50,000 former POWs live among us, including
those held captive during World War II, the Korean War,
the Vietnam War, throughout the Cold War era, and
during Operation Desert Storm. We owe an incalculable
debt of gratitude to these quiet heroes who displayed
great honor and indomitable wills and who sacrificed so
much for our Nation.

To the families of those who are still missing, we
renew our unwavering commitment and determination to
obtain the fullest possible accounting for them,
including their recovery or repatriation and the
identification of the remains of those who have died.

On September 21, 2001, 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. This observance will serve as a
powerful reminder to all Americans that we will always
keep faith with those who served our Nation with honor,
integrity, and great sacrifice, remembering those still
missing and honoring those who were imprisoned during
war.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me
by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim September 21, 2001, as National POW/
MIA Recognition Day. I call upon all Americans 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 in
action. I 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
twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand one, and of the

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

(Presidential Sig.)B