FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Sunday that he will sign a proclamation on Monday to fly the POW/MIA flag permanently at the state Capitol.
"Every day we honor the sacrifices of Kentuckians and Americans who are still prisoners, missing or unaccounted for," Beshear said. "To show our daily commitment to these heroes and their families, the POW/MIA flag will be flown permanently at the Capitol. I will issue and sign an official proclamation to ensure it will fly every day I serve as governor."
The proclamation has been scheduled to be filed with the secretary of state on Monday.
"Gov. Beshear's action makes Kentucky one of the first states to fly the POW/MIA flag every day at the state Capitol," said Kelly Shehan, vice president of Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5. “I thank Gov. Beshear for helping to pave the way and I hope all states will recognize the importance of the new federal, bipartisan POW/MIA Flag Act.”
The POW/MIA flag was flown on Dec. 9 as part of a ceremony held at the Capitol, where the Chair of Honor is.
According to a press release, the last proclamation regarding the flag was issued earlier this year and lasted one day. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, all flags were removed and new flags were flown for the new governor, which is a traditional Inauguration Day custom, according to the release.
The release also stated that Beshear was unaware that the flag had been removed until Thursday. After reviewing the protocols for flying the POW/MIA flag, Beshear decided to issue the proclamation.
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