(a) Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day is established on April 9 of each year to recognize and honor all former prisoners of war (POWs) from our nation's wars who have returned home. These POWs repeatedly demonstrated their devotion to duty, honor, and country, despite enduring captivity and sometimes brutal treatment by their captors. The governor shall issue a proclamation to commemorate the day, and the POW/MIA flag shall be flown that day at sites identified by the governor. Former POW Recognition Day may be observed by suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the public.
(b) Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day is established on the third Friday of September each year to honor all prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs), unaccounted for from all our nation's wars or who died in captivity. These POWs and MIAs repeatedly demonstrated their devotion to duty, honor, and country, despite enduring captivity and sometimes brutal treatment by their captors. The fate of those unaccounted for and missing in action from our nation's wars causes considerable uncertainty for their families, friends, fellow soldiers, and veterans. This day is also an occasion for Alaskans to remember our country's enormous responsibility to do everything possible to account for those still missing in action. The governor shall issue a proclamation to commemorate the day, and the POW/MIA flag shall be flown that day at sites identified by the governor. POW and MIA Recognition Day may be observed by suitable observances and exercises by civic groups and the public.