Bill Clinton

“ The grief for our prisoners of war and those missing in action is most intense, of course, among their families and loved ones at home, who wait-often for years, and sometimes in vain-for confirmation of their fate. ”

“ It is particularly painful when these brave Americans are made Prisoners of War, or are classified as Missing in Action. They have earned our deep appreciation and respect for the great sacrifices they have made so that all of us can continue to enjoy the privileges of liberty. ”

“ By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since our country's birth, Americans have responded to military threats against liberty and democracy, whether at home or in remote areas of the world. The young men and women of our Armed Forces understand the need to resist oppression, and they have willingly put themselves in harm's way around the globe to do so. Those young Americans who stand in the defense of freedom are our country's most precious natural resource. ”