Cuomo Signs Buchwald's POW/MIA Flag Bill Into Law

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law on Tuesday, Sept. 23, authored by Assemblyman David Buchwald (D–White Plains), that requires local governments to display the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action flag when it is provided to the municipality by a local veterans organization.

Assemblyman David Buchwald was helped by West Harrison resident Salvatore Monastra in creating the POW/MIA Flag bill.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Joe Jenkins

09/25/2014 11:00 a.m.

The idea for the bill came from Buchwald’s constituent in West Harrison, Vietnam veteran Salvatore Monastra. He worked hand-in-hand with the Assemblyman to develop the legislation.

“I’m very pleased to have seen a constituent’s idea become law, and I continue to encourage the residents of my Assembly District to tell me their thoughts on how to improve New York State government,” Buchwald said in a statement. “I thank Gov. Cuomo for signing this legislation, particularly following National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which will encourage the display of the POW/MIA flag in New York State. Our nation’s current military engagements only serve as reminders of the sacrifice made by the men, women and families of our armed forces.”

The POW/MIA flag was developed by the National League of Families to remind all citizens about U.S. military personnel taken as prisoners or listed as missing in action. Congress officially recognized the flag in 1998.

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