Bill Clinton

“ Despite deprivation and suffering inflicted by their captors, these brave Americans persevered, maintained their honor, and kept faith with each other and with the American people. In the Congress, in State and local government, and in civic organizations across the Nation, former prisoners of war still keep faith with America through their continued service in positions of leadership and trust.
These men and women rank with our greatest patriots; no group of citizens is more deserving of remembrance and special recognition than our former prisoners of war. ”

“ Over the more than two hundred years of our Independence, thousands of Americans have fallen into the hands of our enemies. Many did not survive the ordeal. Many who did return from captivity had suffered unrelenting indignities, physical and psychological abuse, and unspeakable torture. ”

“ The Armed Forces of the United States of America have faced hostile actions in every decade of this century. Over 200,000 American service members are currently serving overseas, many in situations where armed conflict is an ever-present possibility. ”