Press Release - Thursday, April 09, 2009
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Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs' Honors American Ex-POWs for Courage, Sacrifice and Service to Nation
SPRNIGFIELD - In conjunction with National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) and the Department of Illinois, American Ex-Prisoners of War at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield today co-hosted an American Ex-Prisoners of War (POW) ceremony to recognize the courage and sacrifices made by those who suffered captivity while defending our nation. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed today as American Ex-POW Recognition Day in Illinois to honor all Ex- Prisoners of War (POW) from the state.
The annual ceremony paid tribute to United States service men and women who were imprisoned in all wars. The ceremony began with Central Baptist Church tolling the bells at noon, and included prayers, speeches, a 21-gun salute, anthems, and a yellow-ribbon ceremony around the White Oak tree.
"These service members had to endure difficult circumstances that most people can't even imagine," said IDVA Director Dan Grant. "Today we take time to honor all Ex-POWs for their bravery, perseverance and incredible strength and thank them for their help in defending our country."
Dozens of Illinois Ex-POWs and their families visited the Governor's Mansion today for the special ceremony. Members of the United States Army Reserve 724th Transportation Company in Bartonville also attended the ceremony in memory of Staff Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin who was the first POW/MIA of the Iraqi Freedom War. Staff Sgt. Maupin was captured and taken prisoner by Iraqi insurgents on April 9, 2004 and was laid to rest in April of 2008.
Full text of the Governor's Proclamation is below:
WHEREAS, many loyal and brave Americans who served in the wars of this nation were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action while performing their duties; and
WHEREAS, despite strict rules and regulations set forth by international codes, American Prisoners of War have often suffered unconscionable treatment and many have died as a result of cruel and inhumane acts by their enemy captors; and
WHEREAS, it is exceedingly fitting that we recognize the sacrifices of American Prisoners of War and those missing in action; and
WHEREAS, these heroic soldiers have demonstrated their love and convictions in the people and freedoms of this country by enduring these tragedies and in many unfortunate cases by giving the ultimate sacrifice:
THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2009 as AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to take a moment to honor and remember the men and women who suffered while fighting to make America a better place for all to live.
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