Stevens and Hill Commemorate First Inaugural U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Rep. French Hill (R-AR) hosted a press conference earlier this week to highlight the first inaugural U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day being commemorated today, March 9th. Rep. Stevens and Hill’s legislation to designate March 9th as an annual day of remembrance was included in last year’s NDAA along with language that created an official hostage and wrongful detainee flag and funding for hostage families to come to Washington to coordinate with government agencies for their loved ones’ relief.
“Dozens of Americans are detained overseas, held hostage as political pawns without due process, just because they are American,” said Rep. Stevens. “Designating March 9th as National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, along with providing funding for hostages’ families to come to Washington, is critical to ensuring that those held overseas are never forgotten and that resources are available to coordinate the fight for their release. I’m grateful to Rep. Hill, our nonprofit colleagues, and the families for their tireless advocacy.”
“As many Americans are still held against their will around the world, it is critical we continue to fight for their release and be a strong voice on their behalf,” said Rep. Hill. “I am proud that March 9th is National Hostage Day designated by my legislation with Rep. Haley Stevens and will serve as a day for all Americans to remember those wrongfully detained and to ensure that their families know their loved ones are not forgotten. I thank Rep. Stevens, all the families, and non-governmental organizations involved for their tireless efforts to bring all hostages home.”
Video of Rep. Stevens and Rep. Hill’s full remarks can be found here.
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