WHEREAS, for nearly two and a half centuries, men and women in the United States Armed Forces have served our Nation with courage, honor, devotion, and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, on this day in 1942, the largest number of Americans to ever surrender were captured by Japanese troops during World War II’s Battle of Bataan in the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, our soldiers faced the horrors of imprisonment during what is now known as the Bataan Death March yet displayed unwavering strength and resolve throughout their captivity; therefore, April 9 is set aside to recognize those taken as prisoners of war and honor their service and devotion to our country; and

WHEREAS, military members who suffered through the atrocious conditions of captivity deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their sacrifices; and

WHEREAS, with determination and bravery, former Prisoners of War, their fallen and missing comrades, and their families have demonstrated the true, unbreakable spirit of our Nation, and they will never be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, we honor the courage, perseverance, and patriotism of Prisoners of War and recognize that their sacrifice was great and extended to their families and friends who also endured agonizing uncertainty and grief; and

WHEREAS, today we pay tribute to all American Prisoners of War for their heroism in the line of duty.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2024 as:

Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to honor those who were prisoners of war, those presently missing in action, and their loved ones, and urge Alaskans to offer their gratitude to all servicemen and women who are currently defending our freedoms abroad. I direct all State agencies in possession of a POW/MIA flag to fly the POW/MIA flag on April 9, 2024.