Proclamation 9252-National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015
Issued 2015-04-08 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued a proclamation designating April 9, 2015, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. This ceremonial declaration honors American servicemen and women who have been held as prisoners of war throughout the nation's history. The proclamation calls upon all Americans to observe this day of remembrance and asks federal, state, and local government officials and organizations to mark the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The proclamation recognizes that thousands of American military personnel have endured severe hardship as prisoners of war, including torture, starvation, isolation, and indefinite captivity. It acknowledges that these servicemembers and their families made profound sacrifices, with loved ones at home enduring long periods of painful uncertainty while remaining devoted and hopeful. The declaration emphasizes the nation's commitment to never leave military personnel behind and to uphold the obligation to serve former prisoners of war, their families, and all veterans.
This matters because it provides formal national recognition for a group of veterans who experienced exceptional suffering in service to their country. As a ceremonial proclamation, this action does not create new laws or impose legal obligations—it is a declaration that expresses presidential sentiment on behalf of the nation and draws public attention to the sacrifices of former prisoners of war.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9252-National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to former prisoner of war recognition. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9252—National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2015 April 8, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For more than two centuries, courageous patriots have fought and sacrificed to secure the freedoms that define our Nation's character and shape our way of life. With honor and distinction, they have borne the burdens of defending these values, enduring tremendous hardship so that we might know a freer, safer, more peaceful world. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the women and men who traded their liberty—and sometimes their lives—to protect our own, and we acknowledge the profound debt of gratitude we owe these extraordinary members of our Armed Forces. Thousands of American servicemen and women have experienced unimaginable trials and profound cruelty as prisoners of war. Many suffered mental and physical torture. Often they faced starvation, isolation, and the uncertainty of indefinite captivity. But even in their darkest moments, these heroes displayed courage and determination. They met immense anguish with an indomitable resolve and stood fast for the principles in which they believed. Their sacrifice represents what is best ab