Keeping in touch with Rep. Pat Ingraham

On Monday, January 28th, State Administration will be hearing House Bill (HB) 214.  This bill will require that the POW/MIA Flag be displayed with the flag of the United States of America at the State Capitol, any building that serves as the location of a state district court, any building that serves as the location of a city or town hall for an incorporated city or town and any building that serves as the main administrative building of a county.

The intent of HB 214 is to symbolize Montana’s concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of U.S. military personnel who are or may in the future become prisoners of war, missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of hostile action.

Back in 2009, I was contacted by a Vietnam Veteran from Washington state to consider carrying legislation that would require that the POW/MIA Flag fly at all public entities on six holidays: Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, April 9th; Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday of May; Memorial Day, the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; and, Veterans’ Day, November 11th.

Prior to considering carrying this proposed legislative request, I spent a considerable amount of time during 2010 contacting and visiting Sanders County’s VFW and American Legion posts to talk to their members directly in regards to requiring that the POW/MIA flag be flown on certain holidays.

What I found after visiting with members of both the American Legion and VFW Posts of Sanders County, was that the care, concern and respect that my veterans had for their POW/MIA’s absence was very near and dear to their hearts, and honoring them was above reproach, as one could see and can see when attending one of their meetings.

What I also found was that, as in all things, there is a difference of opinion regarding this legislative proposal on the of flying the POW/MIA flag, and I also found that these same veterans had a passion and great respect for the United States of America.

I made the decision back in 2010 not to carry the legislation because the majority of those who spoke did not want the National Colors to become a mere ‘window dressing’ for the flag of any special interest group.  They believe that the National Colors should be a “Stand Alone” flag, with no mandatory or recommended voluntary attachments.  They also noted that many Post Offices and other government institutions, as well as many non-government organizations, already fly the POW/MIA Flag voluntarily and is flown out of respect and compassion.

These same veterans believed that flying the POW/MIA flag should be a personal or organizational decision with no influence from any level of government.

Out of respect for my Veterans and constituents alike, I would like your input and your thoughts on this bill, as it will be before the members of the State Administration Committee on January 28th.  Please contact me, as well as the other members of the committee with your support or opposition of this legislation and your reasons why, as I want to be your voice as I cast this vote, a difficult one for me as I do want to honor our POW/MIA’s but I also don’t what to undermine those that answered the call of Duty, Honor and Country and their desire to protect the integrity of our National Colors.

You can contact me and other legislative members of my committee, Ted Washburn, Byrce Bennett, Liz Bangerter, Joanne Blyton, Clarena Brockie, Frosty Calf Boss Ribs, Pat Connell, Bill Harris, Greg Hertz, David Howard, Doug Kary, Jesse O’Hara, Jean Price, Casey Schreiner, Ray Shaw, Kathy Swanson, Gordon Vance and Franke Wilmer by leaving messages using an online form available at www.leg.mt.gov/message, or by calling the information desk at (406) 444-4800 to leave a message, or by email.  You may e-mail me at pathd13@blackfoot.net.  Email addresses for other committee members or members of the House of Representatives can be located by going to the Montana Legislative Website: www.leg.mt.gov.