Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 6.djvu/695

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PROCLAMATION 6879—APR. 5, 1996 110 STAT. 4517 Proclamation 6878 of April 4, 1996 Death of Those Aboard U.S. Air Force Aircraft in Croatia By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for Secretary Ronald H. Brown and all those killed in the April 3, 1996, crash of the U.S. Air Force aircraft in Croatia, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by section 175 of title 36 of the United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions through Wednesday, April 10, 1996. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 6879 of April 5, 1996 National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our history, America's Armed Forces have stood proudly in defense of the United States and of freedom everywhere. Countless courageous service men and women have given their lives for our Nation, and many others have sacrificed their own freedom as prisoners of war so that the cause of liberty might prevail. Enduring with patience and determination, prisoners of war are a powerful reminder that the indomitable spirit of the American soldier cannot be broken, even by brutal treatment in violation of international law and morality. In Nazi Germany, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, prisoners of war repeatedly demonstrated their devotion to duty, honor, and country, despite the often terrible suffering inflicted upon them by their captors. On this day and throughout the year, let us honor all who have borne the indignities of captivity in service to our country, remember the brave soldiers who died as prisoners in foreign lands during our Nation's past struggles, and recognize those at home who anxiously awaited their loved ones' return. Their faith in God, love of family, and trust in our Nation are an inspiration to all Americans, and we will always remember their sacrifices.