SECTIONS 1830-1831 - California Statutes

MILITARY AND VETERANS CODE

SECTION 1830-1831

1830. In enacting this chapter, the Legislature recognizes all of
the following:
(a) California citizens have fought for their nation in many wars.
(b) Hundreds of Californians who served in those wars were
captured by the enemy or are missing in action.
(c) Two hundred forty-three Californians who served in the Vietnam
War remain unaccounted for.
(d) Nine hundred family members of Vietnam era POW/MIAs reside in
California.
(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.

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) 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) 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) 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.