National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
The proclamation honors the sacrifices of American service members who were prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of caring for veterans and expressing the nation's gratitude for their service. It also includes remarks regarding the president's commitment to ending veteran homelessness and restoring peace through strength.
Arguments For
Honoring Sacrifice: The proclamation acknowledges the significant sacrifices made by former prisoners of war, recognizing their enduring impact and the toll of captivity.
Expressing Gratitude: It provides a formal platform for the nation to express its gratitude and appreciation for the service and resilience of these individuals.
National Unity: The designation of a national day of recognition fosters national unity and shared remembrance of those who have served in times of conflict.
Veteran Support: The proclamation underscores a commitment to supporting veterans, particularly former POWs, and highlights the importance of addressing their unique needs and challenges. It references a commitment to ending veteran homelessness.
Arguments Against
Symbolic Gesture: Critics might argue that designating a national day is a largely symbolic gesture without tangible impact on the lives of former POWs and their families.
Limited Scope: The proclamation primarily focuses on recognition and does not address broader issues relating to veteran support, such as healthcare access, mental health services, or economic opportunities.
Lack of Specific Action: The call to action for Federal, State, and local government officials lacks concrete stipulations and may result in limited actual implementation.
Political Motivations: The proclamation's inclusion of political statements about previous administrations could be seen as partisan and detracting from the focus on honoring former POWs.
Presidential Actions
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On this National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we remember every American service member who carries the memory of being captured in war as a consequence of defending American freedom. Since the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, millions of selfless patriots have sacrificed their lives, safety, and security to protect our homeland and preserve our inheritance of liberty. These noble men and women embody the best of our Nation’s spirit. Tragically, far too many have been taken by the enemy and forced to endure captivity and sometimes torture.
My Administration is steadfastly committed to taking care of our great veterans — especially every former American prisoner of war (POW). For 4 long years under the previous administration, illegal aliens were living in luxury hotels while our homeless veterans were shivering on the sidewalks — a disgrace of the highest order. Today, more than 30,000 veterans are homeless. To that end, I am committed to eradicating all veteran homelessness in our country. Under my leadership, if you served our Nation in uniform, your Government will never betray you — and we will never stop fighting for the brave men and women who devoted their lives to protect our sovereignty.
To protect our brave service members and uphold our Nation’s interests both at home and abroad, my Administration remains committed to restoring peace through strength and ending the years of endless foreign wars. As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.
We are approaching the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army later this year, and I pledge to every POW, POW family, and member of our Armed Forces that you have our Nation’s full support and unending gratitude. Today and every day, we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in service to our Nation. We ask Almighty God to preserve America’s peace, prosperity, security, and freedom for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all former prisoners of war and to express our Nation’s eternal gratitude for their sacrifice. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
This proclamation declares April 9, 2025, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
It commemorates the sacrifices of American service members held as prisoners of war, highlighting the importance of veteran care and national gratitude.
The text also includes statements on the administration's commitment to various initiatives, including addressing veteran homelessness and pursuing peace through strength.