HR189.html

Recognizing and honoring former American prisoners of war; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, all Americans highly prize and value the sacred right of liberty, that right for which the founding fathers of our nation pledged their lives, fortunes, and honor to win, protect, and defend; and

WHEREAS, all Americans are grateful for the service and sacrifice of those citizens who serve in the armed forces of this country in continuing this pledge to protect and defend the liberties which we now enjoy; and

WHEREAS, through the years, the members of the armed forces of the United States have been called upon to engage in battle with enemies of this nation in the air, on the land, and on and under the seas and they have responded to this call with courage, honor, and valor; and

WHEREAS, as a result of these battles, many members of the armed forces have been captured by the enemy and held for long periods of time, resulting in imprisonment under difficult and often deplorable conditions and separation from home, family, friends, and loved ones for extended periods of time; and

WHEREAS, many of those captured still bear witness through physical and emotional scars of the mistreatment which they received as prisoners of war and many others did not survive their captivity; and

WHEREAS, the courage, honor, and valor shown by these individuals is in the highest tradition of service to our country; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of these individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body recognizes and honors those individuals who have undergone the hardships and pain, both physical and mental, of being a prisoner of war and expresses its sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the service and the sacrifices made by those individuals.