SPONSOR: Sen Campbell, (introduced 04/09/97)
A bill to require the display of the POW/MIA flag on various occasions and in various locations.
18 COSPONSORS:
Sen Conrad - 04/09/97
Sen Kempthorne - 04/10/97
Sen Moseley-Braun - 04/14/97
Sen Cleland - 04/14/97
Sen Warner - 04/14/97
Sen Collins - 04/14/97
Sen Torricelli - 04/14/97
Sen Faircloth - 04/15/97
Sen Stevens - 04/16/97
Sen DeWine - 04/16/97
Sen Hutchinson - 04/16/97
Sen Lott - 04/23/97
Sen Murkowski - 04/23/97
Sen Smith, Bob - 04/23/97
Sen Gregg - 04/25/97
Sen Lautenberg - 04/28/97
Sen Allard - 04/29/97
Sen Shelby - 04/29/97
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
(Senate - April 09, 1997)
[Page: S2901]
By Mr. CAMPBELL (for himself and Mr. Conrad):
S. 528. A bill to require the display of the POW/MIA flag on various occasions and in various locations; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
THE NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION ACT OF 1997
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I want to begin my statement today describing a powerful and emotional sight that moves us to the core of our faith and beliefs about America and about those who served in the Armed Forces of our Nation.
Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that train our future military leaders. These academies have varied missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing leaders for their particular service. On the grounds of each academy is a chapel, a spectacular place that at once identifies itself as a place of worship.
In each chapel, a place has been reserved for the prisoners of war and the missing in action from their particular service. A pew has been set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful symbol that not all have returned from battle. This hallowed place has been set aside so that all POW's and MIA's are remembered with dignity and honor. It is a moving and emotional moment to pause at this reserved pew, to be encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers, sailors, and pilots and to be inspired today by what they have done.
We can do more to honor the memory of the POW's and MIA's who have served in our Nation's wars.
Therefore, today I am introducing the National POW/MIA Recognition Act of 1997. This act would authorize the POW/MIA flag to be displayed over military installations, post offices, and memorials around the Nation and other appropriate places of significance on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and on the last business day before each of the preceding holidays. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Jane Harman from California.
Congress has officially recognized the National League of Families POW/MIA flag. Displaying this flag would be a powerful symbol to all Americans that we have not forgotten--and will not forget.
As you know, the United States has fought in many wars, and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action. In 20th century wars alone, more than 147,000 Americans were captured and became prisoners of war; of that number more than 15,000 died while in captivity. When we add to the number those who are still missing in action, we realize that more can be done to honor their commitment to duty, honor, and country.
The display of the POW/MIA flag would be a forceful reminder that we care not only for them, but also for their families who personally carry with them the burden on sacrifice. We want them to know that they do not stand alone, that we stand with them and beside them, as they remember the loyalty and devotion of those who served.
As a veteran who served in Korea, I personally know that the remembrance of another's sacrifice in battle is one of the highest and most noble acts we can do. Let us now demonstrate our indebtedness and gratitude for those who served that we might live in freedom.
Just as those special reserved pews in the chapels of the military academies recall the spirit and presence of our POW's and MIA's, so too will the display of their flag over military installations and other Government offices be a special reminder that we have not forgotten--and will not forget. Before this coming Memorial Day I invite my Senate colleagues to please join me in passing this bill to display the POW/MIA flag on national days of celebration.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `National POW/MIA Recognition Act of 1997'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the United States has fought in many wars, and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action;
(2) many of these Americans are still missing and unaccounted for, and the uncertainty surrounding their fates has caused their families to suffer tragic and continuing hardships;
(3) as a symbol of the Nation's concern and commitment to accounting as fully as possible for all Americans still held prisoner, missing, or unaccounted for by reason of their service in the Armed Forces and to honor the Americans who in future wars may be captured or listed as missing or unaccounted for, Congress has officially recognized the National League of Families POW/MIA flag; and
(4) the American people observe and honor with appropriate ceremony and activity the third Friday of September each year as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF POW/MIA FLAG.
In this Act, the term `POW/MIA flag' means the National League of Families POW/MIA flag recognized and designated by section 2 of Public Law 101-355 (104 Stat. 416).
SEC. 4. DISPLAY.
The POW/MIA flag shall be displayed on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and on the last business day before each of the preceding holidays, on the grounds or in the public lobbies of--
(1) major military installations as designated by the Secretary of Defense;
(2) Federal national cemeteries;
(3) the national Korean War Veterans Memorial;
(4) the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial;
(5) the White House;
(6) the official office of the--
(A) Secretary of State;
(B) Secretary of Defense;
(C) Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
(D) Director of the Selective Service System; and
(7) United States Postal Service post offices.
SEC. 5. REPEAL OF PROVISION RELATING TO DISPLAY OF POW/MIA FLAG.
Section 1084 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 (36 U.S.C. 189 note, Public Law 102-190) is repealed.
SEC. 6. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the agency or department responsible for a location listed in section 2 shall prescribe any regulation necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.