Governor Proclaims POW MIA Recognition Day 2023

WHEREAS, National Prisoner of War (POW) / Missing in Action (MIA) Recognition Day was established in 1979 and is commemorated annually on the third Friday of September; and

WHEREAS, POW/MIA Recognition Day in North Carolina is an opportunity to honor and recognize these brave service members, and the families, friends, and veterans awaiting recovery and identification of missing and unaccounted for service members from our nation's past wars and conflicts; and

WHEREAS, World War II pilot Newt Haisley designed the POW/MIA flag, made in black and white to symbolize sorrow, anxiety, and hope; since 2019, it has flown continuously at all federal locations where the United States flag is flown; and

WHEREAS, the POW/MIA flag is flown daily over the North Carolina Capitol, rest areas along North Carolina's Interstate Highways, and at North Carolina's State Parks to honor POW/MIAs and their service; and

WHEREAS, POW/MIA Recognition Day in North Carolina is an opportunity to honor service members who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2023, as “POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.