HARRISBURG –September 22, 2020 –Senator Michele Brooks has always had great reverence for America’s Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. She chose to honor and remember them with legislation to require the flying of the official POW-MIA flag at all Pennsylvania Turnpike service plazas, highway welcome centers, and rest stops.
Her goal to see these black-and-white flags flying over our highways took a step closer to reality with today’s Senate’s passage of her legislation, Senate Bill 395, by a unanimous vote of 49 to 0.
“This vote is very timely, as this past Friday –the third Friday in September–was National POW-MIA Recognition Day,” Brooks said.
“It is my hope that, as motorists view this flag throughout Pennsylvania, they will take a moment to reflect upon what this symbol of heroism truly means, and remember the many families across Pennsylvania and our nation who still grieve yet hold on to hope that their loved ones’ remains will be returned back home,” Brooks said.
The bill was amended in committee to also permit the display of the official Honor and Remember flag from the flagpoles of any public building or ground in the Commonwealth. The Honor and Remember flag was authorized by legislation introduced by Rep. Karen Boback, which became Act 19 of 2011.
The POW-MIA flag bear the words, “You are not forgotten,” and will be, an “ever-present reminder that will fly above our highways and across our skies,” Brooks said.
The legislation will now be referred to the House of Representatives for that chamber’s consideration.
Contact: Diane McNaughton (717) 787-1322 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov