Chapter 3Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

Section § 1830

Explanation

This section acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices of California citizens who served in various wars, particularly focusing on those who were prisoners of war (POWs) or are missing in action (MIAs). It highlights that hundreds from California were captured or went missing, with a specific mention of the 243 Californians still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Additionally, it recognizes the 900 family members of Vietnam era POWs/MIAs living in California and the ongoing distress faced by families of the 2,400 Americans still considered POWs or MIAs.

In enacting this chapter, the Legislature recognizes all of the following:
(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1830(a) California citizens have fought for their nation in many wars.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1830(b) Hundreds of Californians who served in those wars were captured by the enemy or are missing in action.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1830(c) Two hundred forty-three Californians who served in the Vietnam War remain unaccounted for.
(d)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1830(d) Nine hundred family members of Vietnam era POW/MIAs reside in California.
(e)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1830(e) The uncertain fate of the 2,400 American citizens still held as POWs or listed as missing in action causes their families acute hardship and pain.
Vietnam War POWs missing in action Vietnam era families Californian veterans POWs hardship military service recognition war contributions unaccounted soldiers veteran family impact wartime sacrifice California POWs veteran acknowledgment military families wartime missing persons POW family distress
(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 943, Sec. 1. Effective September 16, 1988.)

Section § 1831

Explanation

This law establishes an annual Prisoner-of-War/Missing-in-Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day on the third Friday of September to honor U.S. Armed Forces members who remain prisoners of war or are missing in action, as well as missing nonmilitary personnel and civilians. On this day, a specific POW/MIA Flag should be flown at all state-owned buildings and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, symbolizing the nation's commitment to accounting for the missing individuals. The Governor and the Legislature are encouraged to promote ceremonies and activities to recognize this day across California.

(a)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1831(a) So that the people of California will not forget the sacrifices of those members of the United States Armed Forces who, after the termination of hostilities, remain prisoners of war or are missing in action, as well as the sacrifices of missing United States nonmilitary personnel and civilians, the Governor shall annually proclaim the third Friday of September to be known as Prisoner-of-War/Missing-in-Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day.
(b)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1831(b) The flag of the National League of POW/MIA Families (POW/MIA Flag) is a black and white banner symbolizing those members of the United States Armed Forces who are listed as POW or MIA. The flag serves as a powerful reminder to people everywhere of our country’s firm resolve to achieve the fullest possible accounting for every member of the United States Armed Forces, and United States nonmilitary personnel and civilians. The flag shall be flown during business hours, at all state-owned buildings or facilities where the United States Flag and the California State Flag fly, if the flag can be attached to existing flagpoles or other existing structures on which the United States Flag or California Flag fly. The state may accept donations of POW/MIA Flags and related materials.
(c)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1831(c) The flag shall be flown at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located on the grounds of the State Capitol whenever the United States Flag is flown at that location.
(d)CA Military and Veterans Code § 1831(d) Additionally, the Governor and the Legislature are authorized and requested to issue proclamations calling upon the people, schools, and local governments of California to recognize POW/MIA Recognition Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
POW/MIA Recognition Day prisoners of war missing in action POW/MIA Flag United States Armed Forces Vietnam Veterans Memorial state-owned buildings Governor proclamation annual observance symbolic recognition flag display requirements public ceremonies donations of flags civic engagement California schools recognition
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. (SB 369) Effective January 1, 2010.)