POW/MIA flags to fly statewide along thruway

Governor George E. Pataki and New York State Thruway Authority Chairman Howard E. Steinberg announced today that prisoner of war/missing in action flags will fly permanently at all 27 Thruway travel plazas in honor of the thousands of soldiers who suffered for their country. Governor Pataki raised the first flag at the Guilderland Travel Plaza today."The flags will serve as a constant reminder to the millions of people who travel the Thruway each year that people have suffered greatly to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy," said Governor Pataki. "Those who have suffered, died or remain missing are our relatives, friends and neighbors. Honoring them by raising these flags is a small but important tribute, one that is long overdue."

Previously, Governor Pataki affirmed his support for former U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action by signing a proclamation designating April 9 as a day of recognition. At the time, he said further recognition was warranted. Flying the flags at Thruway travel plazas is another step in that direction."I am proud to offer our travel plazas as permanent sites for the POW/MIA flag," said Chairman Steinberg. "It is certainly proper that we recognize those captured and imprisoned while fighting for the ideals we hold so dear: freedom and democracy. This important act ensures that these brave individuals will not be forgotten."

U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato, who has been a vocal supporter of this measure, added: "The sacrifices made by members of our military on behalf of all New Yorkers should not be forgotten. While some may see this as a small, symbolic measure, those who were tortured and mistreated, their family members and relatives of those who died or are missing will look upon those flags with justifiable pride."

Also see: Zambia flag

About The Author:

Don French is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com. The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.