[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 77765-77766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21974]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 24, 2024 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 77765]]


                Proclamation 10814 of September 19, 2024

                
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2024

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout history, America's service members have 
                risked everything to keep the light of liberty shining 
                bright. Today, more than 81,000 of these brave men and 
                women remain missing and unaccounted for around the 
                world. They will never be forgotten, and their courage, 
                service, and sacrifice will always be cherished by our 
                grateful Nation. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 
                we honor all those missing and unaccounted for. We 
                recommit to bringing them home, no matter how long it 
                takes. And we express our ironclad support for their 
                families.

                The POW/MIA flag is displayed in its rightful place 
                above the White House--the People's House. The flag 
                serves as a reminder to all Americans that we are the 
                fortunate heirs of the legacy that they--our Nation's 
                unreturned heroes--helped to forge. These service 
                members gave all, risked all, and dared all to protect 
                our freedom. Just as they kept faith in our Nation, we 
                must keep faith with them. My Administration will never 
                forget our obligation to these patriots and their 
                families. We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never 
                fully repay.

                For those with family members who are missing and 
                unaccounted for, I know that the not knowing weighs on 
                your hearts, amid the grieving, remembering, and 
                cherishing of your loved ones. My Administration sees 
                you, stands with you, and will never forget our sacred 
                obligation to care for you.

                During National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we recognize 
                the absolute bravery of our Nation's service members 
                who are missing and unaccounted for, and we recommit to 
                bringing them home. We offer our gratitude and 
                steadfast support for their families, who have given so 
                much to our Nation. We also honor the service and 
                sacrifice of former prisoners of war. And we remember 
                that the truest testimonial to their sacrifice is doing 
                our part to ensure that our democracy and the soul of 
                our Nation endure.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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, 
                2024, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Let all who 
                read this know that America remains grateful to our 
                heroes held in the worst imaginable conditions as 
                prisoners of war. Additionally, I encourage my fellow 
                citizens across the Nation to reflect on today and let 
                us not forget those heroes who never returned home from 
                the battlefields around the world or their families who 
                are still waiting for answers. I call upon Federal, 
                State, and local government officials and private 
                organizations to observe this day with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 77766]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of 
                the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                ninth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2024-21974
Filed 9-23-24; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P