News-Info-Alerts

Re: State Senate Recognizes CA POWs

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: April 11, 2002

"SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZES CALIFORNIA POW's

Sen. Maurice Johannessen, R-Redding, has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 56 establishing a special day of recognition for California Prisoners of War.

SCR 56 designates April 9, 2002, as POW Recognition Day in California. Johannessen, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, introduced this resolution to formally acknowledge all American prisoners of war who so bravely fought and were held captive during times of conflict in our nation's history.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March on the Bataan Peninsula during World War II. At that time, more that 70,000 American and Filipino troops, taken prisoner by the Japanese, were force-marched through tropical conditions while being brutally mistreated by their captors. Through the 55-mile march, nearly 20,000 allied troops died at the hands of the enemy.

Since World War I, there have been some 142,257 Americans captures and interned under deplorable conditions as prisoners of war. During that time, many of those captured have returned homes as heroes and proud veterans.

Johannessen, a Korean War-era veteran himself, said he understands the commitment and exposure to unusual circumstances that one agrees to when enlisting in any branch of the military.

The price of freedom does not come cheap as we have experienced in past conflicts and current military actions, he said.

Today's efforts to curb international terrorism are a reminder of the constant dangers to which our service men and women are exposed. As these brave individuals continue to serve our nation, it is our duty as American citizens to continue to recognize and honor those who have given of themselves for the defense of our country, Johannessen said.

In introducing this resolution, Johannessen hopes that all Californians will join together in honoring all prisoners of war, surviving or deceased, from every American conflict."