WASHINGTON – On Monday, April 9, Americans will have the opportunity to show their respect and appreciation for an elite group of their fellow citizens -- the more than 29,000 men and women veterans who, while serving our nation, became prisoners of war (POWs).
Perhaps no group has endured privation, fear, hardship and brutality as much as this special band of brothers and sisters. In remote outposts, often alone and in physical conditions defying description, they showed all of us the true meaning of devotion to duty, love of country, courage and the indomitable spirit.
This year, on National POW Recognition Day, I call upon my fellow citizens to offer respect and gratitude, each in his or her own way, for the sacrifices of our POWs. And let us recommit ourselves to that same spirit -- and appreciation of liberty -- that they showed during the dark hours of their captivity.
