in effect
This is a presidential proclamation (Proclamation 10902, signed March 9, 2025) marking U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. It is a ceremonial observance document — it formally names March 9, 2025 as that day and calls on the public to observe it, rather than creating or changing any law.
It does not establish any new program, rule, deadline, or funding — the day itself was already set in law by Congress through Public Law 118-31, approved December 22, 2023, which designated March 9 of each year as “U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.” The proclamation’s concrete actions are to declare the 2025 observance, note that the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is flown at the White House that day, and ask people to mark it with “relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.” The document also states that, since the start of the administration, 13 Americans held captive have been released — listing 6 from Venezuela, 2 from Afghanistan, 2 from Belarus, 1 (a Pennsylvania teacher) from Russia, and 2 American-Israeli citizens held by Hamas. These are statements made within the proclamation; the proclamation itself does not direct any specific new operation to secure further releases.
The document is addressed to Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad and their families, expressing support and a commitment to their return. It also calls on the general public to observe the day. Because it is an observance proclamation, its effect is symbolic and does not impose obligations on any person, agency, or organization.