Substitute for House Resolution No. 140.

A resolution to declare September 15, 2017, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in the state of Michigan

Whereas, POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday in September each year as a day of remembrance for the safe and speedy return of American prisoners of war; and

Whereas, The POW/MIA flag will fly proudly along with the U.S. and state of Michigan flags on September 15; and

Whereas, To date, about 83,000 Americans are listed unaccounted for since World War II. This includes over 73,000 from World War II, over 7,700 from the Korean War, over 1,600 from the Vietnam War, 126 from other Cold War conflicts, and 6 from Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Operation El Dorado Canyon; and

Whereas, We as a nation can never peacefully rest until we account for all those brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for their country; and

Whereas, We express our deepest gratitude to these lost patriots, knowing that they were fighting to protect our American values and rights; and

Whereas, We declare our profound condolences to those who have lost a loved one to the painful burden of war; and

Whereas, Their work will not be complete, nor will our commitment be fulfilled, until they come home. The United States does not leave anyone behind and we do not forget those who remain missing; and

Whereas, Let this day serve as recognition and remembrance that the duty of those who are missing in action or prisoners of war is finished, but ours continues as we seek to find, repatriate, and honor these courageous individuals who defended our freedom; now, therefore,  be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 15, 2017, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in the state of Michigan.