WHEREAS, The Governor has declared Wednesday, April 9th to be
"Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day"; and
WHEREAS, Americans have fought in many wars over the years and
thousands have been captured by hostile forces in their efforts to
defend our independence, our freedoms, our constitutional republic, our
way of life, and our families and friends; and
WHEREAS, American prisoners have frequently endured great pain,
suffering, and humiliation at the hands of their captors; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of our military personnel currently find
themselves in harms way as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Several members of the United States Armed Forces
participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom have been captured and are
being held by enemy forces in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Elements of the 507th Maintenance Company of the United
States Army were ambushed near Nasarieya, Iraq on March 23, 2003; and
WHEREAS, These elements fought heroically before being overwhelmed
by Iraq's forces; and
WHEREAS, Fifteen members of the 507th Maintenance Company were
captured, wounded, or killed in the ambush; and
WHEREAS, Certain Iraqi citizens of good heart put their personal
safety at risk by providing Coalition forces with information as to the
whereabouts of company members; and
WHEREAS, United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine personnel
bravely rescued Pfc. Jessica Lynch and recovered the bodies of her
fellow soldiers; and
WHEREAS, The families and friends of current and former prisoners
of war also suffer because of the imprisonment of their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, We must ensure that our prisoners of war receive the
necessary and appropriate care and treatment they are entitled to as a
result of their confinement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
of the state of Washington extend its heartfelt sympathies to the
families and friends of those who are or have been either prisoners of
war, killed in action, or missing in action; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
state of Washington honor former prisoner of war, Pfc. Jessica Lynch,
for her fierce bravery under fire and her firm determination in
captivity, and for all former prisoners of war who have once again
received their freedom; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
state of Washington extend its sincere gratitude for the service and
sacrifice made by those participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
specifically to the members of our Armed Forces who participated in the
daring rescue of Pfc. Jessica Lynch; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
state of Washington pray for a speedy and successful end to these
hostilities and the safe and speedy return of our troops; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
state of Washington encourage all citizens to join in the special
observance of "Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day" on Wednesday,
April 9th and to remain vigilant in their thoughts and prayers for the
safe return of those currently being held as prisoners of war.