Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-02-02 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-02-02 Senate Journal Page 2157 SB 236 SENATE BILL NO. 236 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act establishing Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition days and Women Veterans Day; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Governors transmittal letter dated February 1: Dear President Pearce: American members of the military forces, men and women, have stood proudly against the forces of tyranny and oppression throughout the world. Many tragically suffered as prisoners of war or remain missing in action. Alaska should honor these brave men and women and it is fitting they be recognized in state law. This bill I transmit today formally establishes days to honor prisoners of war, persons missing in action, and women in the military. 2000-02-02 Senate Journal Page 2158 SB 236 This bill establishes three days in law. To honor all former prisoners of war (POWs) who have returned home from our nation's wars, April 9 will be known as Former POW Recognition Day. The third Friday in September will be known as POW and MIA Recognition Day to commemorate all prisoners of war and persons missing in action (MIAs) unaccounted for or who died in captivity. November 9 of each year will be recognized as Women Veterans Day. Veterans groups have for some time observed a former POW recognition day to primarily honor all POWs who have returned home. More recently, those groups have observed a POW/MIA recognition day as a day to honor Vietnam War POWs and especially MIAs. Over time this day has become a day to honor all POWs, including those who died in captivity, and a day to make a special effort to remember all persons who remain missing in action. Countless courageous servicemen and women have sacrificed their lives for our nation, and many others have lost their own freedom as prisoners of war. Exhibiting patience and determination, prisoners of war are a powerful reminder that the spirit of the American soldier cannot easily be broken, even by brutal treatment in violation of international law and the laws of common decency. These brave soldiers, some of who died in captivity, and who, in many cases, spent years captive under the most reprehensible conditions, deserve our gratitude and commendation. The search for unaccounted for and missing soldiers from our nations wars continues. Their unknown fate causes considerable uncertainty for their families, friends, and fellow veterans. By establishing these recognition days in their honor, Alaska will not forget the lives of these extraordinary heroes and the stories of their dedication to the people of America. Because the number of women in the military -- and their roles in it -- is growing, it is important to publicly recognize women as they leave the armed forces and serve the communities to which they return. 2000-02-02 Senate Journal Page 2159 SB 236 Women currently constitute four percent of all veterans. By the end of the next decade, women will comprise 17 percent of veterans, and the percent of women in the active military is projected to grow from its current 14 percent. Although the history of women in the military is relatively recent, and they were not recruited to join the armed forces until World War I, some disguised themselves as men to join the Continental Army. The first female officers were appointed during World War II. During the Vietnam era, over a quarter of a million women served as military nurses or physicians, or in intelligence, supply, administration, and air support. There is a need to identify and revise policies and practices in the military and veterans-related agencies that were developed at a time when women in the service were a rarity, and to assure that women veterans' issues are incorporated into future planning efforts. Designating a specific day to conduct programs and celebrations to honor and remember women veterans will hasten these efforts. In honor to our veterans, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor