Young, Goodell & Giglio Honoring Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action Vietnam Veterans

State Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean), Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C-Chautauqua) and Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda), would like to encourage their Southern Tier neighbors to honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day on September 16, which commemorates those who have sacrificed their time and lives in the defense of America.

“Anyone who has ever worn the uniform of our nation’s military deserves our utmost respect and heartfelt appreciation. Some of these brave men and women, however, served their nation under especially trying circumstances and have sacrificed more than most of us can ever understand. The price paid by POW/MIA soldiers in defense of our freedoms is worthy of our highest gratitude and most solemn remembrance. National POW/MIA Recognition Day allows us to honor their memories and their families for their courage and determination to never forget,” said Senator Young.

“I am proud to honor the many men and women who have served in our country, especially members from our own community and district,” said Assemblyman Goodell. “There are many veterans who have not returned home, either missing in action or lost their lives in the line of duty. As a community and a nation we must honor these brave service members for their actions, on September 16 and every day.”

“National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an important day for remembering our brave and courageous Vietnam veterans,” said Assemblyman Giglio. “On this day, words cannot express the gratitude, thanks and love that we have for the fallen and still-unaccounted members of our military families from this historic page in our history. We should undoubtedly recognize and honor these veterans in a strong, united and respectable manner.”

On August 10, 1990, Congress passed a law which recognizes the POW flag as a symbol of our nation’s concern and commitment to the fates of all Americans still missing or unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. The leading non-for-profit group charted by Congress in 1978 is the Vietnam Veterans of America, which has worked to help Vietnam-era veterans and their families. Its goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

All those who are interested in finding out more about our Vietnam veterans, both living, deceased or still unaccounted for, can visit www.vva.org. There are over 600 local chapters throughout the nation which offer support to those in need and increase public awareness about the plight of Vietnam veterans missing in action. Young, Goodell and Giglio have asked that concerned New Yorkers interested in honoring Vietnam veterans fly both the American and POW/MIA flag on September 16.