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 to ever surrender were captured by the Japanese during World War II’s Conquest of Bataan in the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, our soldiers faced the horrors of imprisonment and separation, yet displayed unwavering strength and resolve throughout their captivity; therefore, April 9 is set aside to recognize those taken as prisoners of war and honor their service and commitment to our country; and
WHEREAS, military members who have suffered through the atrocious conditions of captivity deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their sacrifice; 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 the courage, perseverance, and patriotism of Prisoners of War, and we know that their sacrifice was great and extended beyond themselves – to their families and friends 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, 2023 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 we ask that Alaskans offer their gratitude to all of our servicemen and women who are currently defending our freedoms abroad. I direct all State agencies in possession of a POW/MIA flag to fly the POW/MIA flag on April 9, 2023.
Dated: April 9, 2023
