At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov.
Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Sept. 15, 2017, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on
all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.
“While we are grateful to all of those who have served our nation, this day is designated to
remember and recognize the sacrifices endured by those members of the Armed Forces of the
United States who were held as prisoners of war or remain missing in action,” the Governor said.
“The state of South Dakota continues to support efforts to account for every service member
classified as Missing in Action.”
Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, encourages
all South Dakotans to set aside time Sept. 15 to honor the POW/MIAs who fought to protect our
freedoms and lost theirs, as well as remember those engaged in today's struggle to guard our way of life for future generations.
“In their service to our country, former prisoners of war and those missing in action have
sacrificed mightily to maintain the promise of liberty that we hold dear,” said Zimmerman.
“POW/MIA day affords all of us a great opportunity to reaffirm our vow to never forget the
courage of our nation’s staunchest defenders – our former POWs and MIAs. We owe them and
their families our gratitude.”