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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COOK COUNTY OBSERVES SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 AS NATIONAL POW/MIA DAY
WHEREAS, in each of America’s past wars, our Prisoners of War have represented a special sacrifice. On them has fallen an added burden of loneliness, trauma and hardship. Their burden becomes double when there is inhumane treatment by the enemy in violation of common human compassion, ethical standards and international obligation; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress passed a resolution authorizing the first National POW/MIA Recognition Day be observed on July 18, 1979 and later moved the event to be observed on the third Friday in September; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, when the enemies of freedom were on the march and our country needed brave Americans to take up arms and stop their advance, the members of our Armed Forces answered the call of duty. These patriotic men and women defended our country in hours of need and continue to stand watch for freedom. Many of these courageous individuals risked capture, imprisonment and their lives to protect our homeland. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the sacrifices and remarkable determination of those captured as prisoners of war. We also remember those who remain unaccounted for and ask for God’s special blessing on their families. Our nation will not forget these heroes, and will not stop searching for our service members who are missing in action; and
WHEREAS, in the County of Cook, we are committed to remembering all veterans who served their country and those presently serving their nation in all corners of the globe and those still Missing In Action and Prisoners of War and remind everyone of the personal sacrifices made by all war veterans to ensure that future generations of Americans will be able to enjoy our country’s freedoms; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Commissioners do hereby recognize September 20, 2024 as National POW/MIA Day and ask that on this day of honor that all citizens join our nation in this day of remembrance to demonstrate the country’s continued commitment to the POW/MIA issue and recognize the unwavering commitment to bring our heroes home.
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