Despite the distractions of a raucous presidential election, America has not forgotten that Friday is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a solemn but heartfelt 24 hours, remembered in myriad ways around the nation.
“The hardship experienced by prisoners of war and by the family members of those who have gone missing in action is unimaginable to most Americans; it is our country’s solemn obligation to bring these heroes back to the land they served to defend, and to support the families who, each day, carry on without knowing the peace of being reunited with their loved ones,” President Obama said in his official proclamation for the observance.
“The United States does not leave anyone behind, and we do not forget those who remain missing,” he noted.
The folks of Rolling Thunder support those ideas. The most basic mission of the nonprofit organization — founded by two Vietnam vets and known for their massive motorcycle “Ride for Freedom” to the nation’s capital — is to publicize the POW/MIA issue.
“Rolling Thunder chapters nationwide will be holding candlelight vigils and other events,” said Nancy Regg, spokeswoman for the group, which urges Americans to become familiar with the the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, where the motto is “Fulfilling our nation’s promise.”
The meticulous defense agency works to repatriate the remains of the fallen from many wars; the most recent was a Marine missing from World War II, plus five U.S. Army soldiers from the Korean War — all accounted for this week. Find them at www.dpaa.mil.
“Today there are 83,000 Americans listed as missing and unaccounted-for from our nation’s wars going back to the beginning of World War II. That’s 83,000 military and civilian men and women, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters,” noted the Veterans of Foreign Wars in a statement.
“It is true that the costs of war extends far beyond the last shots being fired, and for MIA families, the passage of time does not heal their wounds. For them, the days became weeks, the weeks became months, then years, and now, sadly, decades,” the organization noted. “Fulfilling the soldier’s promise to never leave a fallen comrade behind on the battlefield is difficult, but we know how important the mission is to the families and to the military serving in uniform today.”
Local observances abound on Friday, organized by veterans groups and citizens around the country. They range from parades to simple ceremonies, silent marches, bike rides, townhall meetings, hearty breakfasts and public salutes at both local and national athletic games, to name a few.
“Missing man tables” at some events are especially poignant. They feature an empty chair and a small table, bearing a red rose, a burning candle and other symbols to stand for absent soldiers, sailors and airmen.
“We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence,” the American Legion explained in a statement on the practice.
“Let us pray to the Supreme Commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks. Let us remember — and never forget their sacrifice. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families,” the organization says.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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