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PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT: NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR
RECOGNITION DAY, 2003


THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


_________
For Immediate Release April 8, 2003


NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY, 2003

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION


Americas former prisoners of war (POWs) are national heroes whose
service to our country will never be forgotten. These brave men and
women who fought for America and endured cruelties and deprivation as
prisoners of war helped to protect our Nation, liberated millions of
people from the threats of tyranny and terror, and advanced the cause of
freedom worldwide.

This year, our Nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of the
signing of the armistice to end armed conflict in the Korean War. We
remember Operation Little Switch, conducted April through May 1953, that
freed 149 American POWs, and Operation Big Switch, conducted August
through September 1953, which returned 3,597 Americans to our country.
Finally, Operation Glory, conducted July through November 1954, was
responsible for the return of the remains of 2,944 Americans from North
Korea. During this observance, we also recognize and honor the more
than 8,100 Americans still unaccounted for from the Korean War.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Operation Homecoming,
in which 591 American POWs from Vietnam were returned. We also
recognize and honor those Americans still unaccounted for from the
Vietnam War.

All of these individuals are to be honored for their strength of
character and for the difficulties they and their families endured.
>From World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, to the 1991 Gulf War,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other conflicts, our service men and women
have sacrificed much to secure freedom, defend the ideals of our Nation,
and free the oppressed. By answering the call of duty and risking their
lives to protect others, these proud patriots continue to inspire us
today as we work with our allies to extend peace, liberty, and
opportunity to people around the world.

As we honor our former POWs, we are reminded of our current POWs,
captured in Operation Iraqi Freedom. We will work to secure their
freedom, and we pray for their speedy and safe return. These brave men
and women in uniform follow in the footsteps of these former POWs who
placed country above self to advance peace in a troubled world.

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

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hereby proclaim April 9, 2003, 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 and in praying for the safe return of our
POWs. 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 eighth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.





GEORGE W. BUSH





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