National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7538 of 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
humiliations, 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B