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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The third Friday of September is set aside each year |
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for the observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Texans |
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across the state are marking this occasion on September 20, 2019; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, In 1979, the United States Congress first passed a |
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resolution naming July 18 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day to |
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honor prisoners of war and members of the military still missing in |
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action; the date was changed in 1986, and now each year on the |
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designated day, the black and white POW/MIA flag is flown over the |
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White House, the U.S. Capitol, and military installations, among |
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other sites, to symbolize our nation's commitment to resolving as |
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fully as possible the fate of individuals who did not return from |
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the battlefield; and |
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WHEREAS, This solemn event reminds all citizens that the true |
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cost of war extends far beyond the end of conflict; tens of |
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thousands of people are still considered missing in action or |
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unaccounted for from World War II, and thousands more from the wars |
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that followed; families continue to suffer from the tragic absence |
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of their loved ones and from the emotional burdens caused by a lack |
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of closure; and |
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WHEREAS, Today and every day, we acknowledge our profound |
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debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have served so |
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selflessly in our name, and we express our deep appreciation for the |
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tremendous sacrifices made by military families; the nation remains |
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steadfast in its determination to recover missing Americans, and |
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this mission is not accomplished until all are returned safely to |
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our shores or a full accounting of their fate is provided; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate September 20, 2019, as National |
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POW/MIA Recognition Day and assure the families of prisoners of war |
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and those still missing in action that their loved ones are not |
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forgotten. |