Whereas, the greatness of America is found in the willingness of its sons and daughters to place themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and the freedom cherished by our citizens and other nations of the world; and

Whereas, time and again throughout our nation’s history, men and women have readily stepped forth to join our armed forces, giving freely of themselves and making many personal sacrifices while battling America’s enemies in global and regional wars and conflicts; and

Whereas, today, as Americans have been called upon to fight terrorism, we are mindful that in previous wars, more than 142,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and airmen suffered harsh, illegal and inhumane treatment as prisoners of war subject to the brutality of their captors and possible death; and

Whereas, these noble and courageous military personnel, in the act of defending our Nation, relinquished their own freedom while fighting to preserve democracy, peace and liberty; and

Whereas, the acute suffering of our prisoners of war was shared by their families, who grieved over their fate, not knowing when or if they would ever see their loved one alive again; and

Whereas, the courage of our prisoners of war reflected the highest degree of American patriotism and allegiance to our democratic values, inspiring those fighting for victory and their release; and

Whereas, we must never forget that our prisoners of war know better than anyone the high price of freedom, and we must remain vigilant to those who would challenge our cherished way of American life for which they endured untold suffering;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2008 as AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR DAY in the Empire State, with gratitude and admiration for the courage, loyalty and love our former prisoners of war offered in service to our nation and its people.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fourth day of April in the year two thousand eight.