By Lewisboro Ledger
State Sen. Greg Ball (R, C, I–Patterson) and Assemblyman David Buchwald (D–White Plains) recently teamed up to help pass a bill that will “require local governments to display the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag when it is provided to the municipality by a local veterans organization,” according to a press release from Mr. Buchwald.
The legislation, which was authored by Mr. Buchwald in the Assembly before being sponsored by Mr. Ball in the Senate, will now be sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for approval.
Mr. Buchwald represents Lewisboro and Katonah in the 93rd District, and Mr. Ball serves Lewisboro in the 40th District.
“The POW/MIA flag is a symbol of respect and honor, as well as a reminder of the enormous sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country,” Mr. Buchwald said. “Displaying this flag is an important way to carry on the tradition of honoring our nation’s veterans and military families.”
“It was an honor to be part of the passing of such a meaningful piece of legislation,” Mr. Ball said in the press release. “We must never forget those who have sacrificed so much. This nation must always show resolve in recognizing and honoring our beloved POW/MIA heroes. It is critically important that all of those who have served our country are recognized for their sacrifice, and that is especially true for this special class of heroes.”
The POW/MIA flag was developed by the National League of Families as a reminder of the U.S. military personnel who were taken as prisoners or listed as missing in action.
The flag was officially recognized by Congress in 1998 and was authorized to fly each year on several national observances, including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
Congress also designated the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The bill passed by state legislators requires local municipalities to display the flag on these six days as well.
According to the press release, the legislation “will not be a financial burden on municipalities, as the POW/MIA flags are required to be flown only when provided by a local veterans organization along with any necessary attachments or fasteners.” (ARTICLE)