Assembly Resolution No. 2355

BY: M. of A. Rules (Jean-Pierre)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 20, 2024, as POW/MIA Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake deserve a special salute from this
Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 20, 2024, as POW/MIA Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
POW/MIA Day; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the third Friday in September is set aside to
honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's Prisoners
of War (POW) and those who are still Missing in Action (MIA), as well as
their families; and

WHEREAS, The first POW/MIA Recognition Day commemoration was held at
the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., while the 1st Tactical
Squadron from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia flew the missing man
formation; and

WHEREAS, Currently, there are approximately 73,515 persons
unaccounted for from World War II; 7,841 from the Korean War; 126 from
the Cold War; 1,626 from the Vietnam War; and 6 from recent conflicts
since 1991, for a total of 83,114 soldiers; 75% are somewhere in
Asia-Pacific, either held as Prisoners of War or classified as Missing
in Action, and more than 41,000 presumed lost at sea; and

WHEREAS, The point of POW/MIA Recognition Day is to ensure that we
remember to stand behind those who serve and to make sure we do
everything we can to account for those who never returned; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York wishes to honor these soldiers,
sailors, airmen and their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberation to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 20, 2024, as
POW/MIA Day in the State of New York, to ensure all New Yorkers remember
to stand behind those who served and to make sure we do everything we
can to account for those who have never returned; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and American Legion Posts throughout the State of New York.