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 remain missing from WWII; 8,186 remain missing from the Korean War; 1,883 remain missing from the Vietnam War, and 165 American military personnel remain missing from the Cold War; and,

Whereas, This number includes 365 Michigan servicemen from the Korean War, 57 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 at Arlington Nation Cemetery of Lt. j.g. Philip P. Stevens of Twin Lake, Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald N. Thoresen of Detroit and Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth H. Widon of Detroit; the strength and fidelity of their family and friends have been rewarded, their 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 19, 2003, 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.