On Thursday, Senator Dan Hall’s (R-Burnsville) legislation to honor Minnesota soldiers who were prisoners or went missing during combat passed in the Senate. The bill, SF 242, would designate the third Friday in September of each year as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day and would also require the governor to proclaim the remembrance day each year.

“Throughout our nation’s history, men and women have acted selflessly by defending our nation and protecting our freedom and liberty,” Said Senator Dan Hall “In some instances, these brave soldiers have been captured, or not returned at all. By recognizing POW/MIA Recognition Day, we take a day to honor their legacy and remember that they are not forgotten.”

Currently, POW/MIA Recognition Day is celebrated nationally every year on the third Friday of September with the President of the United States traditionally proclaiming remembrance.

According to the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, over 82,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other conflicts. That figure includes 1,575 Minnesotans.

To get involved and support our POW/MIA soldiers you can search the National League of POW/MIA Families found here, where you can learn more about their projects and events and find ways contribute.