Governor Proclaims POW-MIA Recognition Day in Oregon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALEM - Governor John Kitzhaber has proclaimed Sept. 20th as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Oregon.  In his proclamation, Kitzhaber said Oregon is proud to join with other states and the nation in honoring these brave American veterans who remain missing.

Since 1986, national POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year.  It is a time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families.

"More than 125,000 American men and women have been held captive by hostile powers during their military service," he said. "The Department of Defense has more than 600 people dedicated to the worldwide mission of accounting for the more than 83,000 missing service members from conflicts as far back as World War II. 

"The families and friends of other concerned Americans must continually deal with the uncertainly concerning their fate." 

POW/MIA Recognition Day observances  are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans’ facilities.  This observance is also one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag.  The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, all national memorials, federal buildings and the White House.

The day is not a federal public holiday in the United States but it is a national observance.  On this day in many states, veteran rallies take place.  The U.S. and POW/MIA flags are flown on this day and joint prayers are made for POWs and those missing in action.

Of the 83,300 American personnel listed by the DoD’s POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for in action, over 73,000 were from World War II and 7,900 from the Korean War.

The U.S. Congress passed a resolution authorizing National POW/MIA Recognition Day to be observed on July 18, 1979. It was observed on various dates thorough 1985 until 1986 until the date moved to the third Friday of September.

The president each year proclaims National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Many states, including Oregon, also proclaim POW/MIA Recognition Day together with the national effort.

• POW-MIA092013.pdf