Whereas, POW’s and MIA’s have earned a special place in the hearts of all Americans; and,

Whereas, The loss of a loved one is tragic under any circumstance, but the pain and suffering experienced by the families of our servicemen and women held in action or missing in action is magnified when the fate of the loved one is unknown; and,

Whereas, 4,452 American military personnel remain missing from WWI; 78,976 American military personnel  remain missing from WWII; 8,186 American military personnel remain missing from the Korean War; 1,854 American military personnel remain missing from the Vietnam War, and 128 American military personnel remain missing from the Cold War; and,

Whereas, This number includes 365 Michigan servicemen from the Korean War, 56 from the Vietnam War, and 4 Michigan servicemen from the Cold War, and their families, friends, and fellow veterans still endure uncertainty; and,

Whereas, In the past year we are profoundly grateful for the return, identification and honored burial of Staff Sergeant Dennis Wayne Hammond of Detroit; the strength and fidelity of his family and friends have been rewarded, his service and sacrifice remembered by us all; and,

Whereas, Widespread public support of America’s unwavering efforts to leave no American soldier on the battlefield honors those who have, or will serve the cause of freedom and liberty; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 14, 2004, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan and I urge all citizens to recognize the plight of our POW/MIA’s, in particular those from Michigan, and support our nation’s efforts to obtain the fullest possible accounting of those who remain missing.