Assembly Resolution No. 1366

BY: M. of A. Rules (Burdick)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 18, 2026, 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 18, 2026, as POW/MIA Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
POW/MIA Recognition Day; and

WHEREAS, Since the American Revolution, people fighting to secure
the freedom of the United States have at some points in time been held
as prisoners of war (POWs); 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, National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979
through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter; 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, 82,000 Americans are still missing according to the Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency; and

WHEREAS, In addition to national-level ceremonies, observances of
National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military
installations, ships at sea, state capitals, schools, and veterans'
facilities; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. POW/MIA flag was recognized by Public Law 101-355
in 1990 as "the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to
resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner,
missing and unaccounted for in the Southeast Asia, thus ending the
uncertainty for their families and the Nation."; 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 18, 2026, as
POW/MIA Day in the State of New York; 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.