Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 1.djvu/101

 PUBLIC LAW 102-23—MAR. 28, 1991 105 STAT. 73 Public Law 102-23 102d Congress Joint Resolution To designate April 9, 1991 and April 9, 1992, as "National Former Prisoner of War Mar. 28, 1991 Recognition Day". [S.J. Res. 53] Whereas members of the Armed Forces of the United States have been recently captured by the armed forces of Iraq and have been held as prisoners of war; Whereas the prisoners of war held by Iraq have endured incredible hardships and the events surrounding the holding of such prisoners remind us of the thousands of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in past armed conflicts and were held as prisoners of war; Whereas many prisoners of war have been subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment by their captors in violation of international codes and customs for the treatment of prisoners of war; Whereas many former prisoners of war died, or were disabled, as a result of such treatment; Whereas, in 1985, the United States Congress directed the Department of Defense to issue a medal to former prisoners of war recognizing and commemorating their great sacrifices in service to our Nation; and Whereas the great sacrifices of prisoners of war and their families deserve national recognition: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 9, 1991 and April 9, 1992, are designated as "National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day" in honor of the members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been held as prisoners of war, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to commemorate such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved March 28, 1991. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 53: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): Feb. 21, considered and passed Senate. Mar. 20, considered and passed House.

�