News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: POW/MIA Flag Display Bill S.1226

Date: August 26, 2001

S.1226
Sponsor: Sen Campbell, Ben Nighthorse(introduced 7/24/2001)
Latest Major Action: 7/24/2001 Referred to Senate committee
Title: A bill to require the display of the POW/MIA flag at the World War II memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - July 24, 2001)

   By Mr. CAMPBELL:

   S. 1226. A bill to require the display of the POW/MIA flag at the World War II memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

   Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I introduce the POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act of 2001. I am pleased to be joined by my friend and colleague Senator ALLARD as an original co-sponsor.

   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 America's future military leaders. These academies have varied missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing leaders for their particular branch of service. On the grounds of each academy is a chapel, spectacular places that are easily identifiable as places of worship.

   In each chapel, a place has been reserved for those prisoners of war and the missing in action from each particular service. A pew has been set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful symbol that not all have returned from battle. These hallowed places have been set aside so that all POW's and MIA's are remembered with dignity and honor. It is a moving and emotional experience to pause at these reserved pews, to be encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of those soldiers, sailors, marines, and pilots and to be inspired today by what they have done.

   Yes, I believe we can and should do more to honor the memory of all the POW's and MIA's who have so gallantly served our nation.

   Therefore, today I am introducing the POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act of 2001. This act would require the display of the POW/MIA flag at the World War II Memorial, the Korea War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, all here in the Nation's Capital, on any day on which the United States flag is displayed.

   Congress has officially recognized the POW/MIA flag. Displaying this flag would be a powerful symbol to all Americans that we have not forgotten, and will not forget.

   As my colleagues well 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 of 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 the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial be a special reminder that we have not forgotten, and will not forget. This coming September 21, 2001, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I invite my Senate colleagues to please join me in passing this bill by then to display the POW/MIA flag on this special day.

   I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.

   There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
S. 1226

    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 ``POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act of 2001''.

   SEC. 2. DISPLAY OF POW/MIA FLAG AT WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL, KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL, AND VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL.

    (a) REQUIREMENT FOR DISPLAY.--Subsection (d)(3) of section 902 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking ``The Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial'' and inserting ``The World War II memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial''.

    (b) DAYS FOR DISPLAY.--Subsection (c)(2) of that section is amended--

    (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and

    (2) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph (A):

    ``(A) in the case of display at the World War II memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial (required by subsection (d)(3) of this section), any day on which the United States flag is displayed;''.

    (c) DISPLAY ON EXISTING FLAGPOLE.--No element of the United States Government may construe the amendments made by this section as requiring the acquisition of erection of a new or additional flagpole for purposes of the display of the POW/MIA flag.