April 9th of each year shall be designated as Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State to observe this day in suitable places with appropriate ceremony and activity. Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day shall commemorate, honor and recognize the courage and heroism of all former prisoners of war who served the nation in times of crisis and emergency and who were captured in the defense of the nation. [PL 1989, c. 37 (NEW).]