Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Congress passed a resolution in 1979 authorizing National Prisoners of War (POW)/ Missing in Action (MIA) Recognition Day to be observed throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, since 1986, the third Friday of September has been the day of national observance; and

WHEREAS, tens of thousands of Americans are still unaccounted for from World War II; thousands from the Korean War; over a thousand from the Vietnam War; and many from the Cold War and other conflicts; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia War Memorial maintains and continually updates a comprehensive list of approximately 1,340 Virginians who are still unaccounted for since WWII, honoring their memory and ensuring their stories are told and remembered; and

WHEREAS, the search for our unaccounted-for service members continues, exemplified by the recent identification of Seaman First Class James W. Holzhauer of Abingdon, who died in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and was accounted for on May 18, 2018, and made public April 16, 2024; and of U.S. Army Sergeant Mayburn L. Hudson of Roanoke, whose remains were accounted for on December 14, 2023, and made public June 4, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's dedication to remembering these heroes is reflected in various programs, educational initiatives, and public ceremonies held throughout the year to honor their legacy and educate the public about their brave sacrifices; and

WHEREAS, we remember the incredible sacrifice of prisoners of war and those missing in action to fight for our freedoms and uphold peace and security around the world; and

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2024, Virginians come together to express gratitude for these individuals who have faithfully served our country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 20, 2024, as PRISONER OF WAR/MISSING IN ACTION RECOGNITION DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations