Commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day, September 18, 2015.
The resolution serves to remind citizens of the lasting effects of war beyond the cessation of hostilities. It highlights the ongoing pain and emotional toll experienced by the families of those still missing, who continue to suffer the burdens of uncertainty and loss. By designating a specific day of recognition, HR39 seeks to unify the state and the nation in a collective acknowledgment of these sacrifices and the commitment to ensuring that the memories of the missing and their families are preserved.
House Resolution 39 commemorates National POW/MIA Recognition Day, designated for the third Friday of September each year. The resolution emphasizes the importance of honoring prisoners of war and members of the military who are still missing in action. It acknowledges the historical significance of this observance, noting that Congress first established such a day in 1979 and modified it in 1986 to ensure a consistent date for remembrance. The resolution underlines that the black and white POW/MIA flag is flown at numerous significant sites, symbolizing the nation's commitment to uncovering the fates of those who remain unaccounted for after conflicts.
The sentiment surrounding HR39 is one of deep respect and gratitude towards military service members and their families. The resolution reflects a bipartisan understanding of the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by these individuals. It serves as a solemn reminder that, as a nation, there is a profound duty to honor those who have served and to address the unresolved fates of missing service members.
While the resolution is largely uncontroversial, with unanimous adoption noted, it implicitly invites reflection on the broader issue of how a nation supports and remembers its veterans and the families affected by their service. The commemoration of National POW/MIA Recognition Day serves both as a recognition of past sacrifices and as a call to action for continued vigilance in the pursuit of accounting for all service members.