National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2001

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7421--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7421 of April 2, 2001

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day,
2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From our earliest beginnings as a Nation, America has
been blessed with citizens who have been willing to
fight and die to preserve our shared ideals. We owe our
freedom to men and women who have responded heroically
to the call of patriotic duty. In times of peace and
war, in times of great conflict, and even in peacetime,
they stood tall. Facing the horrors of combat, young
Americans placed themselves squarely in harm's way.

Among all these ranks of brave Americans, our living
former prisoners of war form a living testament to the
courage Americans have shown in defending liberty.
During World War II and the conflicts in Korea and
Vietnam, prisoners endured, in addition to separation
from their loved ones, isolation, disease, and torture.
More recently, American troops in the Persian Gulf
stood bravely in the face of enemy capture and returned
home with honor.

The men and women who suffered through the atrocious
conditions of internment deserve our utmost gratitude
and respect. Their fortitude serves as an example of
placing the ideals of freedom and self-government above
one's own interests. We also owe a debt of gratitude to
their families for weathering agonizing uncertainty
while demonstrating support for their loved ones'
service to country.

In World War II, patriotic Americans stepped forward
without hesitation to carry America's honor into
unknown battlefields. Many thousands gave their lives
as the ultimate sacrifice, both on the battlefield and
in the deadly prison camps of the Pacific and Europe.

We are particularly mindful this month of anniversaries
reminding us of the contributions former prisoners of
war have made to our freedom. April marks the
anniversary of the first return of American POWs from
North Korea during Operation Little Switch. These
prisoners endured bitter cold and inadequate food,
clothing, and medical care in their brave effort to
stop the spread of communism.

This April is also the 28th anniversary of the end of
Operation Homecoming, in which our Vietnam-era POWs
returned to freedom. Americans held prisoner during
that war, some for as long as 9 years, were subject to
torture and the horrors of isolation. They survived
only through their faith, character, and patriotism.

On this date, we remember the sacrifices of those
imprisoned while serving America. We remain committed
to ensuring that future generations know of their
heroism in order to fully appreciate their courage and
resolve. Although they returned home safely, their
physical and emotional scars remain as a reminder of
the high price of liberty.

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, 2001, 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 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
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B