White House Press Releases
April 1, 2005
White House Press Releases
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
From the time of our Nation's founding, members of our military have built a tradition of honorable and faithful service. As they fought to protect our security and defend our ideals, some endured the extreme hardship of enemy captivity. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we remember those courageous individuals taken prisoner while defending our country, and we honor their extraordinary sacrifices.
America's former prisoners of war are among our Nation's bravest heroes. Under the worst conditions, they fought fiercely and served with honor, and they continue to inspire generations with their strength and perseverance. In serving our Nation, each demonstrated personal courage, love of country, and devotion to duty. Because of their sacrifices, and the selflessness and heroism of all who have served in our Armed Forces, millions of people now live in freedom, and America remains the greatest force for good on Earth. On this day, we honor their role in protecting our country and the liberty of mankind.
Today, our brave men and women in uniform carry on their legacy -- unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, and unmatched in decency. As we pursue victory in the war on terror, I join all Americans in expressing our deepest gratitude to every service member who has been a prisoner of war and to their families.
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 April 9, 2005, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in remembering former American prisoners of war by
honoring their sacrifices. 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 first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Note:Although this day doesn't get much attention, since most is focused on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, I'm glad to see thatÊPresident Bush's Proclamation was issued in a timely way, before the date had come and gone, and the commendation of our returned POWs is well-deserved.
We all can hope that an appropriately worded proclamation for National POW/MIA Recognition Day is issued in ample time before September 16, 2005, this year's date for also recognizing unaccounted for POWs, MIAs and KIA/BNR's. This year, I've been assured it will definitely beÊFriday, September 16th. We can all hope it will, but with the current "leadership" in DPMO, who knows?
There was no valid reason last year to move it to Tuesday, September 14th, since the Jewish holy days didn't begin until sundown that day. That was yet another brilliant decision by DPMO's "leadership" that meant most offices of the US Postal Service didn't even know the date on which our POW/MIA flag was to be posted.ÊÊ
We continue to work toward improvements in DPMO, aÊdevastated organization being destroyed by "leadership" thatÊis destroying the morale of its own employees and causing divisions with JPAC, the Services Casualty Offices and others. Their latest action was issuing on Thursday evening, March 31st, a completely distorted and misleading memo to all DPMO employees, signed by the senior people in DPMO. The purpose was purportedly to accurately and completely inform DPMO employees about our upcoming 36th Annual Meeting and events leading up to and followingÊlast year's meeting as well. Rather than enlighten anyone by writing a truthful memo based on facts, the DPMO "leadership" again misinformed those whose entire purpose is supposed to be accounting for our missing loved ones.Ê
This was another sad and destructive action, orchestrated by the first ones to sign the document, Jerry Jennings, Mel Richmond, Adrian Cronauer and John Unangst. The others, senior directors and directors, were reportedly instructed to sign and all did, whether from fear of retribution or failure to stand up for principles, integrity and simply doing the right thing.
The amount of time being taken from the issue to focus on such activities is immeasurable and can't ever be recovered.Ê Again, a sad situation, and for no valid reason except DASD Jennings' disdain for the families, the League, the Korea-Cold War Families of the Missing, the Alliance and even our veterans who support us. This must end, and soon, and we all hope and pray it will.
Best to all,
Ann Mills Griffiths
Executive Director
National League of POW/MIA Families
1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 170
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-7432
www.pow-miafamilies.org