H.R. No. 2249
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is being
observed on September 15, 2023, citizens across Texas and the
United States pay solemn tribute to the servicemen and servicewomen
who were held as prisoners of war or who remain missing in action
from our nation's conflicts; and
WHEREAS, The toll of war is never-ending, lasting far beyond
cease-fires, armistices, and treaties; many thousands of soldiers,
sailors, and airmen are still considered missing in action from
World War II, and thousands more are listed as missing from
subsequent wars; decades after their loved ones have been listed as
unaccounted for, families continue to mourn and to seek answers as
well as respite from the emotional burden of not knowing the fate of
a beloved parent, sibling, or child; and
WHEREAS, The first national commemoration of POWs and MIAs
was held in 1979, when the U.S. Congress passed a resolution
specifying July 18 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and a
ceremony was held in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.; in
1984, President Ronald Reagan hosted a ceremony at the White House,
which served to honor all returned POWs while also renewing the
commitment to account for the missing; since 1986, the
commemoration has been held on the third Friday in September, and on
that day each year, the black-and-white POW/MIA flag has been flown
over the White House and the U.S. Capitol, as well as over state
capitols, military bases, ships at sea, schools, places of worship,
and many other venues; and
WHEREAS, Our men and women in uniform and their families make
tremendous sacrifices in order to preserve our freedom and our way
of life, and they are owed a profound debt of gratitude as well as
the steadfast commitment of our nation to continue its work to
ensure that all missing Americans are accounted for or returned
home in dignity and honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate September 15, 2023, as National
POW/MIA Recognition Day and assure the families of prisoners of war
and those still missing in action that their loved ones will never
be forgotten.
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2249 was adopted by the House on May
29, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House