[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7595]

Proc. 7595

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 in

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          stallations, 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.

GEORGE W. BUSH