86R23068 BK-D

By: Price H.R. No. 2121

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The third Friday of September is set aside each year for the observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Texans across the state are marking this occasion on September 20, 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, the United States Congress first passed a resolution naming July 18 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor prisoners of war and members of the military still missing in action; the date was changed in 1986, and now each year on the designated day, the black and white POW/MIA flag is flown over the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and military installations, among other sites, to symbolize our nation's commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fate of individuals who did not return from the battlefield; and

WHEREAS, This solemn event reminds all citizens that the true cost of war extends far beyond the end of conflict; tens of thousands of people are still considered missing in action or unaccounted for from World War II, and thousands more from the wars that followed; families continue to suffer from the tragic absence of their loved ones and from the emotional burdens caused by a lack of closure; and

WHEREAS, Today and every day, we acknowledge our profound debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have served so selflessly in our name, and we express our deep appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices made by military families; the nation remains steadfast in its determination to recover missing Americans, and this mission is not accomplished until all are returned safely to our shores or a full accounting of their fate is provided; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate September 20, 2019, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day and assure the families of prisoners of war and those still missing in action that their loved ones are not forgotten.