Governor Proclaims Friday to be POW-MIA Recognition Day in Oregon
As part of the commemoration for this day, one of largest POW-MIA flags in the United States will be raised onto the giant flag pole located at the Latus Harley Davidson dealership in Gladstone, Ore.
(SALEM, Ore. ) — Governor John Kitzhaber has proclaimed September 19, to be POW-MIA Recognition Day in Oregon.
The proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of American military personnel who have either been captured, held as prisoners of war, or who remain missing in action.
Oregon's observance will again coincide with the National POW-MIA Recognition Day that is celebrated annually on the third Friday in September.
In his official proclamation, the governor called on Oregonians to join him in recognizing American war prisoners who are still missing. Kitzhaber stressed that these brave Americans deserve national recognition and to be accounted for and returned to the United States with honor and dignity.
Cameron Smith, the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, said that more than 83,000 Americans are still missing while serving in these wars.
"When we raise the black-and-white POW-MIA flag as a symbol to these missing Americans," Smith said, "we honor the sacrifices and remarkable determination of those captured as prisoners of war and we remember those who remain unaccounted for."
As part of the commemoration for this day, one of largest POW-MIA flags in the United States will be raised onto the giant flag pole located at the Latus Harley Davidson dealership in Gladstone, Ore.
At 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 18, veterans groups will hoist the 50-by-70 foot flag into place and then lower it on Saturday. The dealership is located off of Interstate 205, exit 11 at 870 E. Berkeley St.
Source: Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
