Gus Bilirakis: “since 1987, Congress has approved legislation declaring April 9 as ``Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.'' These men…”

“since 1987, Congress has approved legislation declaring April 9 as ``Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.'' These men and women are among our greatest patriots and I cannot think of a group more deserving of remembrance and special recognition than our former prisoners of war. Under the new rules adopted at the start of this session, Congress will not enact commemorative legislation this year. That being the case, we should take the time now to honor the Americans held captive in past conflicts and wars. All those who have been prisoners of war know the true meaning of freedom and have paid a tremendous price for the liberty we all cherish. Their service and sacrifice, and that of their fellow veterans, make possible our way of life. Some of you may wonder why April 9 was chosen as a day for recognition for former prisoners of war. It was on April 9, 1942, that the largest contingent of American forces ever were taken prisoner with the fall of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II. Many of those taken prisoner did not survive the infamous Bataan Death March that followed or the nearly 4 years of captivity in deplorable prisoner of war camps throughout the Far East. Many of those that did survive were left with permanent disabilities from the brutalities that they endured. The 9th of April is also the day on which Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appatomax, VA, to end the Civil War between the North and South.”