POW-MIA Recognition Day, Sept. 18

So as to honor and remember American military prisoners of war and those missing in action, Governor Kate Brown has proclaimed Friday, September 18 to be “POW-MIA Recognition Day” in Oregon. The proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of military personnel who have been captured and held as prisoners of war as well as those who remain missing in action. In her official proclamation, the governor stressed America’s determination to gain a full accounting of POWs and MIAs, so they may be brought home with the honor and dignity that they deserve. “On this day we honor those Americans who were prisoners of war and recognize them for the courage and determination they showed while enduring unspeakable conditions,” Brown said in the proclamation. “We also honor those who remain unaccounted for, especially remembering the sacrifices of their families who face each day without knowing the fate of their loved ones.” Oregon’s observance of this day coincides with the annual National POW-MIA Recognition Day that is celebrated annually on the third Friday in September. Up until June, flying or displaying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag on public buildings in Oregon had been optional, but state legislators and Gov. Brown agreed that needed to change. In a ceremony at the state capital on June 18, the governor signed House Bill 2892, which will require the POW-MIA flag to be flown along with the U.S. and the Oregon flags on public buildings across the state. After Brown signed the bill, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Cameron Smith and supporters joined two former POWs from Oregon to ceremoniously raise the flag above the Capital. The bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.