K 809: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 809 BY: M. of A. Burdick MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 19, 2025, 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 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National POW/MIA Day; 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, 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, Currently, there are approximately 73,515 persons unaccounted for from World War II; 7,841 from the Korean War; 126 from the Cold War; 1,626 from the Vietnam War; and 6 from recent conflicts since 1991, for a total of 83,114 soldiers; 75% are somewhere in Asia-Pacific, either held as Prisoners of War or classified as Missing in Action, and more than 41,000 presumed lost at sea; 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 deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Day in the State of New York, to ensure all New Yorkers remember to stand behind those who served and to make sure we do everything we can to account for those who have never returned; 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.