[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22183-22184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9019]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 22183]]


                Proclamation 8799 of April 9, 2012

                
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
                2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For more than 200 years, members of our Armed Forces 
                have upheld an oath to protect and defend. In times of 
                war, generations have answered our country's call with 
                courage and valor, braving the peril of combat and 
                pressing onward in the face of tremendous adversity. 
                Their extraordinary service reflects our highest 
                ideals, and their sacrifice will forever live on in our 
                national memory. On National Former Prisoner of War 
                Recognition Day, we pay solemn tribute to those 
                patriots who gave their freedom to preserve our own.

                Thousands of America's sons and daughters have suffered 
                unspeakably as captives in foreign lands. Many 
                prisoners of war experienced physical torture and 
                profound anguish, subjected to inhumane treatment and 
                cut off from their comrades, their country, and their 
                loved ones. Some would never return. Yet, in the direst 
                circumstances, these service members demonstrated 
                indomitable courage and unbreakable resolve. They stood 
                fast for what they believed in, making immeasurable 
                sacrifices for the millions they protected. At home, 
                spouses, children, parents, and friends called upon 
                that same spirit of perseverance to sustain them 
                through long periods of prayer and uncertainty.

                When he chronicled the experiences of our GIs during 
                World War II, Ernie Pyle wrote that their world can 
                never be known to the rest of us. Though the sacrifices 
                they made and the burdens they bore may defy our full 
                understanding, it is our moral obligation to keep faith 
                with our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and 
                their families--to honor their service through the 
                support of a grateful Nation. Today, we recognize 
                heroes who endured one of war's most tragic costs. For 
                them, and for all who have served, let us rededicate 
                ourselves to fulfilling the sacred trust we share with 
                all those who have worn the uniform of the United 
                States of America.

                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, 2012, 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.

[[Page 22184]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-9019
Filed 4-11-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P