National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, generations of brave Americans have left their homes and families to protect our freedom and great nation, but sadly some never return; and

WHEREAS, National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by our nation’s prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action; and

WHEREAS, on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we remember and honor these valiant members of our military and salute their courageous families, who suffer the pain of ongoing uncertainty over the welfare of their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, we will not forget these patriots who were willing to give their all to preserve and protect our freedom; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama commends and endorses the national commitment to account as fully as possible for the Americans still missing from our nation’s wars; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama calls on the President, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to consistently raise with foreign counterparts the need for increased action to help account for our missing – alive and dead – and return them to the United States; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama calls on Congress to ensure that POW/MIA-related government offices and organizations receive the funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the principled mission of accounting for our missing veterans, thus signaling to nations around the world that America stands behind those who serve:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 16, 2016, as

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

in the State of Alabama and urge citizens to join me in expressing gratitude for their tremendous sacrifices.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of September 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor