National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2016

Proclamation 9421 of April 8, 2016

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Under the flag of the United States, generations of
women and men, united in a common cause greater than
themselves, have served to defend the ideals that bind
us together as a Nation and that preserve our country
as a beacon of hope and freedom around the world. On
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we
salute the selfless service members throughout our
history who gave of their own liberty to ensure ours,
and we renew our commitment to remaining a Nation
worthy of their extraordinary sacrifices.

In wars and engagements since America's founding, brave
patriots have experienced indescribable suffering as
prisoners of war. Often physically and mentally
tortured, starved, and put through the worst most of us
could imagine, these heroes are owed a debt we can
never fully repay, and their families--who exhibited
tremendous fortitude in the face of grueling
uncertainty--are worthy of our profound gratitude. The
values of honor, courage, and selflessness that drive
our Armed Forces are particularly acute in those who
have been taken as prisoners of war, sustaining them
through days, weeks, and sometimes years of profound
hardship endured for the sake of securing the blessings
of liberty for all.

America's former prisoners of war--and all who don our
uniform to keep us safe--have helped make our Nation
the strongest and most prosperous in the history of the
world. Our eternal obligation is to care for them and
uphold our everlasting promise to never leave our men
and women on the battlefield behind. Let us reaffirm
our adherence to these ideals and honor our former
prisoners of war by paying them the gratitude and
respect they deserve.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2016, as
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call
upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance
by honoring all American prisoners of war, our service
members, and our veterans. I also call upon Federal,
State, and local government officials and organizations
to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.