National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7595 of September 19, 2002

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout American history, many men and women have
bravely served in our military and sacrificed much to
preserve our country and protect the democratic ideals
that make our Nation a beacon of hope. Some of those
who answered the call to service were captured in
conflict and imprisoned by our enemies; and many remain
missing in action.

Each year on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor
those Americans who were prisoners of war and recognize
them for the courage and determination they showed in
the face of unspeakable hardships. We also honor those
who remain unaccounted for, especially remembering the
sacrifices of their families who must courageously face
each day without knowing the fate of their loved ones.

Nearly 60 years after the end of World War II, the fate
of more than 78,000 Americans who fought in that
conflict remains unknown. More than 8,100 from the
Korean War are missing, more than 120 from the Cold
War, more than 1,900 from the Vietnam War, and three
from the Gulf War. These Americans, who dedicated their
lives to preserving and protecting our freedoms, will
never be forgotten.

On September 20, 2002, 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. With this observance, we reaffirm
our commitment to those who have suffered the horrors
of enemy captivity, to those who have yet to return
from battle, and to their families. We remain dedicated
to resolving discrepancy cases, achieving the fullest
possible accounting of our prisoners of war and missing
in action, and bringing them home with the honor and
dignity that they deserve.

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 September 20, 2002, as
National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I call upon all the
people of the United States 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. 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
nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B