U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
The proclamation affirms the administration's unwavering commitment to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.
It highlights the successful release of 13 Americans since the President took office, while acknowledging the continued fight for the release of those still held.
The proclamation urges the American people to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and calls for the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to fly at the White House.
Arguments For
Intended benefits: Raising public awareness about Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, emphasizing the administration's commitment to their safe return, and encouraging support for efforts to secure their release.
Evidence cited: The proclamation notes that the President has secured the release of 13 Americans held captive since taking office, detailing specific instances of successful interventions.
Implementation methods: The proclamation calls upon the American people to observe the day with programs, ceremonies, and activities, and directs the display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the White House.
Legal/historical basis: The proclamation cites Public Law 118-31, which designates March 9 as "U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
Arguments Against
Potential impacts: Critics may argue that the proclamation is primarily symbolic and might not significantly impact the successful release of hostages. The focus on past successes could be seen as overshadowing the ongoing challenges and the needs of families of currently detained Americans.
Implementation challenges: The success of the day largely depends on the participation of individuals and organizations. There is no mechanism to directly enforce the observance of the day beyond the symbolic measures stated in the document.
Alternative approaches: More concrete actions, such as increased diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, or resource allocation to hostage recovery efforts, might be more effective.
Unintended effects: Focusing solely on the symbolic aspects of the day could detract attention from underlying issues or create unrealistic expectations among families of hostages.
Presidential Actions
On this U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, we send our love, prayers, and support to every American being held in captivity — and I vow to you, your families, and your loved ones that we will never forget you, we will never abandon you, and we commit to returning you safely home and bringing your captors to justice.
As President, I have no higher obligation than to keep American citizens free, safe, and secure. My Administration is proudly taking decisive action to bring Americans back home where they belong. Since taking office, I have secured the release of 13 Americans held captive. Six of those Americans imprisoned in Venezuela are now safely home with their families and we had them released in less than 24 hours. Two Americans detained in Afghanistan have been liberated. Two Americans detained in Belarus have been returned safely back home. A Pennsylvania teacher, unjustly held in Russia, is back on American soil, fulfilling a promise I made to his 95-year-old mother moments before taking the stage that fateful day in Butler, Pennsylvania. Additionally, two American-Israeli citizens who endured months in Hamas captivity have been reunited with their loved ones.
However, there are still Americans who need to come home. Every American held unjustly abroad must be released and returned home. The United States will not tolerate the unlawful detention of our citizens. I will continue to bring more Americans back to their loved ones, and I will not back down until they are home.
Today, we solemnly stand with every American being held hostage or wrongfully detained and their families who are enduring bitter uncertainty. We commit to forging a future rooted in the commonsense principle of peace through strength. Above all, we ask Almighty God to keep our hostages and wrongful detainees safe; to reunite them with their families; and to make America stronger, safer, more secure, and more prosperous than ever before.
The Congress, by Public Law 118-31 approved December 22, 2023, has designated March 9 of each year as “U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. On this day, as we fly the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at the White House, I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of March, 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 March 9, 2025, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
It expresses support for Americans held captive abroad, reiterating the administration's commitment to their safe return.
The proclamation details the successful release of 13 Americans since the President's inauguration, showcasing specific cases for emphasis.
It underscores that the fight to bring home unjustly detained Americans continues and urges the American public to participate in related events and observances.
The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is to be displayed at the White House.
The proclamation concludes with a formal declaration and the President's signature.