POW/MIA Recognition Day (2009)

POW/MIA Recognition Day

WHEREAS,  thousands of Virginians have served in the military of our great Commonwealth and nation with incredible faith, dedication and courage on the field of battle during times of war, and many have been captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action; and

WHEREAS,  approximately 142,000 Americans since World War I have endured the hardships of captivity as prisoners of war, and their sacrifices for freedom must never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS,  approximately 88,000 Americans are still missing from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and their families, friends and other concerned Americans still must deal with uncertainty concerning their fate; and

WHEREAS,  the bravery, commitment and selflessness displayed by American soldiers, prisoners of war and those missing in action who have fought to secure and preserve our nation’s freedom and security and uphold our democratic values serve as admirable examples of patriotism and loyalty for all Americans; and

WHEREAS,  it is important for all Americans to recognize and be thankful for the sacrifices made by American soldiers and our allies in the past, present, and in the future, and on this day we remember and reflect upon all American prisoners of war and all the men and women missing in action;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize September 18, 2009 as POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.