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THE SEEN THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON back theet STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT: RELEASE OF FIRST POW's People of good will ever where will rejoice today at the release The A of the first group of Americans who have been held S prisoners of war Insert in North and South Vietnam. As these men start home to the country they have served SO well, we move a long step closer to lasting peace in the world. Batlet Letus remember however that 1 This moment though it lifts the hearts of the whole Nation, belongs above all to the returning men themselves and to the families waiting to welcome them. We can join most fittingly in that welcome not the with fanfare, but with quiet respect for their fortitude in the ordeal that is now ending and for their privacy in the time ahead. On the Veterans Administration building in Washington are the words of Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday we are about to observe, reminding us of our obligation "to care for him who shall have borne the battle. 11 Let us mark this special Sunday with a prayer of thanks for all with honor who have borne this battle -- and have made peace possible. And let us resolve anew to be worthy of the sacrifices they have made. # # #