WHEREAS, for more than two centuries, men and women in the United States Armed Forces have served our nation with courage, honor, devotion, and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, on this day in 1942, the largest number of Americans were captured during World War II’s Conquest of Bataan. Each year, April 9 is set aside to pay tribute to those taken as prisoners of war and honor their service and commitment to our country; and
WHEREAS, the men and women who suffered through the atrocious conditions of captivity deserve our utmost gratitude and respect. Our sons and daughters faced the horrors of imprisonment and separation, yet displayed unwavering strength and resolve throughout their captivity; and
WHEREAS, with determination and courage, former Prisoners of War, their fallen and missing comrades, and their families have demonstrated the true, unbreakable spirit of our nation, and they will never be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, we honor their courage, perseverance, and patriotism, knowing their sacrifice was great and extended beyond themselves – to their families, who also endured agonizing uncertainty and grief; and
WHEREAS, today, we pay tribute to all American Prisoners of War for their unbreakable spirit and heroism in the line of duty.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2022 as:
Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to honor those who were prisoners of war, those presently missing in action, and their loved ones, and to keep all of our servicemen and women who are currently defending our freedoms abroad, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers. I direct all State agencies in possession of a POW/MIA flag to fly the POW/MIA flag on April 9, 2022.
Dated: April 9, 2022
