FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2138

C 11 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Establishing national Korean war veterans armistice day.

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby and Bailey.

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

Background:

Specially Recognized Days.

The following days, while not legal holidays, are specially recognized in statute:

• Korean-American Day (January 13);

• Columbus Day (October 12);

• Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (April 9);

• Washington Army and Air National Guard Day (January 26);

• Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day (August 7);

• Washington State Children's Day (second Sunday in October);

• Mother Joseph Day (April 16);

• Marcus Whitman Day (September 4);

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7);

• Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance (February 19); and

• Juneteenth, a Day of Remembrance for the Day the Slaves Learned of their Freedom (June 19).

POW/MIA Flag.

Public entities are required to display the National League of Families' Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag on the following days:

• Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May);

• Memorial Day (last Monday in May);

• Flag Day (June 14);

• Independence Day (July 4);

• National POW/MIA Recognition Day (no date or day is specified); and

• Veterans' Day (November 11).

Korean War Armistice.

An "armistice" is defined as an agreement between opposing armies to suspend hostilities in order to discuss peace terms.

On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed between the Commander in Chief of the United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the Commander of the Chinese People's Volunteers, on the other hand, concerning a military armistice in Korea. Under the agreement, a demarcation line was fixed and a demilitarized zone was established. By its terms, the agreement remains in effect until expressly superseded either by mutually acceptable amendments and additions or by provision in an appropriate agreement for a peaceful settlement at a political level between both sides. To date, a peace treaty has not been signed.

Summary:

The Legislature declares that July 27 be specifically recognized as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. This date is not to be considered a legal holiday for any purpose. The POW/MIA flag, together with the United States and Washington flags, must be displayed by public entities on this date.

In addition, the third Friday in September is designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Votes on Final Passage: