Presidential Documents

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

mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PREDOCD2

22184 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2012–9019 

Filed 4–11–12; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PREDOCD2OB#1.EPS</GPH>