At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept. 16 as "POW/MIA Recognition Day," calling on all South Dakotans to pay special honor to the Americans who have been prisoners of war, to those who remain missing in action, and to the families and friends of these valiant servicemembers.
"While we are grateful to all of those who have served our nation, this day is designated to remember and recognize the sacrifices endured by those members of the Armed Forces of the United States who were held as prisoners of war or remain missing in action," said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
Whitlock encourages all South Dakotans to set aside time September 16th to honor the POW/MIA's who fought to protect our freedoms and lost theirs, as well as remember those engaged in today's struggle to guard our way of life for future generations.
"In their service to our country, former prisoners of war and those missing in action have sacrificed mightily to maintain the promise of liberty that we hold dear," said Whitlock. "POW/MIA Day affords all of us a great opportunity to reaffirm our vow to never forget the courage of our nation's staunchest defenders -- our POWs and MIAs. We owe them and their families our gratitude."
The state of South Dakota continues to support efforts to account for every service member classified as Missing in Action.
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