Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing In Action (MIA) Recognition Day

WHEREAS, the men and women of America’s Armed Forces have fought to preserve, protect and defend our freedoms and values; and

WHEREAS, more than 73,000 soldiers are Missing in Action from World War II; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has 149 Missing in Action from the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has two Missing in Action from the Cold War; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has 31 Missing in Action from the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has more than 182 Missing in Action still waiting to come home to the Great State of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Alabama has more than 1,100 former Prisoners of War who made sacrifices and endured hardships to preserve our freedoms and values; and

WHEREAS, we unite to ensure that America remembers its responsibility to stand behind those who serve our nation and to do everything possible to account for those who have not returned:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 19, 2014, as

Prisoner of War (POW)/Missing In Action (MIA) Recognition Day

in the state of Alabama, and encourage all citizens to join our nation’s and state’s veterans and their families in honoring all American POW’s and to remember our MIA’s who shall never be forgotten.