WHEREAS, throughout American history, generations of military servicemen and women have epitomized patriotism by sacrificing their own personal safety and wellbeing to protect our country, our people, our freedom , and the values we cherish; and
WHEREAS, too many of these brave patriots were either captured in conflict and imprisoned by the enemy, or went missing in action, and have never returned home; and
WHEREAS, the families and friends of those missing still suffer from the unknown fates of their loved ones yet despite this, continue to preserve their memories forward with hope; and
WHEREAS, it is our nation’s duty to be vigilant and remain mindful of the sacrifices made by American POWs and MIA personnel, and to remember the family members they have left behind who have endured the pain of uncertainty and loss; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska supports and shares our nation’s pledge to account as fully as possible for Americans still missing and unaccounted for from our nation’s past military conflicts, and calls on the President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense to consistently help account for and return our lost personnel to the United States; and
WHEREAS, the men and women of our Armed Forces face unimaginable conditions and bear the painful price of war and conflict. We are forever indebted to and eternally grateful for these valiant individuals who sacrifice their wellbeing, and whose lives are a true testament of patriotism and love for our country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2023 as:
Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to honor the bravery of those who were prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and their loved ones, and I direct all State agencies in possession of a POW/MIA flag to proudly fly the POW/MIA flag on September 15, 2023.
Dated: September 15, 2023
