The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee recommended a do-pass for House Bill 14‑03, which would establish the third Friday in September each year as Prisoner of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Day in North Dakota and direct the governor to issue an annual proclamation.

Representative Mary Schneider, sponsor of the bill, said the designation would provide a recurring, formal recognition for POWs and MIAs. “HB 14‑03 would make the third Friday in September of each year prisoner of war and missing in action day a state holiday in North Dakota,” Schneider said, clarifying that the proposal would be a day of recognition and not a paid holiday requiring closure of schools or businesses.

Multiple witnesses testified in favor. Senator Richard Marsley, a sponsor in the Senate, recounted the importance of the POW/MIA flag and personal ties to a former POW, calling the day a meaningful recognition for families who have lacked closure. Jim Nelson, legislative director for the North Dakota Veterans Legislative Council, described historical numbers and called the designation “vitally important,” citing federal recognition of a national POW/MIA observance and noting roughly 81,000 still listed as missing nationally.

Lonnie Wong, commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also supported the bill and said putting the observance into state law would ensure annual proclamations and prevent the date from being overlooked. “If we put it in law then it just happens and we don't forget those that on the very flag says you are not forgotten,” Wong said.

Testimony included personal accounts and advocacy from veterans and veterans’ groups. The committee held no recorded opposition and moved a do-pass recommendation; votes were recorded in favor by members present.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 14‑03 with a do-pass recommendation; sponsors and veterans’ representatives said the statutory designation would ensure consistent annual recognition by the governor.