The following was taken directly from the National League of Families website giving you information concerning today. I urge you to visit this site and do what you can. I ask for you today to please take time to at least view the Joint POW/MIA Account Command Task Force Video (link no longer active) so you will get an idea of what’s involved in finding our unaccounted for warriors, and how you can help. It’s very informative and moving.

Firebird 91 flight crew member, Andy Howes, is the only remaining crew member still unaccounted for from that tragic day January 10, 1970, when their Huey flew into the clouds and never appeared again. God bless all the Unaccounted Warriors from all wars. NEVER FORGET! Flamingo 91

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES

OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

1005 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, SUITE 170, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22201

PH (703) 465-7432http://www.powmialeague.orgFAX (703) 465-7433

2009 NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY

September 18, 2009 is likely to be proclaimed by President Barack Obama as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Over the past several years, all or most of the 50 states have proclaimed POW/MIA Recognition Day in conjunction with the national effort. Please contact your Governor, ask for his/her support and for a copy of your state’s proclamation!

Across the country, local POW/MIA ceremonies are encouraged throughout POW/MIA Recognition Week, culminating with countless events and the national ceremony in Washington, DC. Support for these missing Americans and their families is deeply felt. America’s POW/MIAs should be honored and recognized, rather than memorialized, with the focus on the need to account as fully as possible for those still missing, alive or dead. Strong, united support by the American people is crucial to achieving concrete answers, and now is the time to start planning for this year’s ceremonies. The American people can make the difference.

Remember: Involving the state-level Department of Veterans Affairs, plus state, district and local veterans organizations, is the key to a successful event. Publicity must be a priority; otherwise attendance will be minimal. To enable the League to accurately respond to media inquiries and measure national awareness impact, please send information regarding activities to League Communications Chairman for these activities, Gail Innes, by email atg.innes@sbcglobal.net, mail to her at 1360 Sandburg Terrace, Apt. 1002-C, Chicago, IL 60610, or call 312-587-8153.

For guidance: Contact your League state coordinator or check the League’s web site: www.POWMIALeague.org. Additional assistance can be sought from state and local governments, military and veteran organizations, ROTC, church groups, civic clubs, etc. A POW/MIA awareness contact should be available at each military installation, and invitations should be extended for military attendance and participation in these events.

To get media coverage: Contact local and state newspapers, magazines, military, church and school publications at least four weeks prior to Recognition Day. Send information packets, available from the League office, to editors, bureau chiefs, columnists and feature editors. If possible, contact a journalist who has written responsible articles on the POW/MIA issue. Write letters to the editor, outlining scheduled events and encouraging community participation.

Advertising: Develop posters and/or flyers to advertise local activities in the windows of area businesses. National POW/MIA Recognition Day posters will be available from all Military Services, major national veteran organizations, the Defense POW/MIA Office (703) 699-1169) and the League.

Invitations: For all events, invitations may be sent to POW/MIA families in your area through the Service Casualty Offices (USA 800-892-2490; USN 800-443-9298; USMC 800-847-1597; USAF 800-531-5501), the CIA 703-874-4270, State Department for missing civilians 202-647-5470, and the League’s national office 703-465-7432. Invitations should also be extended to area veterans organizations, local dignitaries, civic organizations, etc. Speak to local civic clubs, veteran groups and auxiliaries, schools and churches prior to Recognition Day about the POW/MIA issue and plans for educational activities. Get them involved!

Other Programs

You can also circulate Petitions to Hanoi as a group or individual effort for Recognition Day. Completed petitions should be sent to your congressman and/or your two senators with a request that they be forwarded, with a cover letter, to Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, (SRV) 1233 Twentieth Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. This serves a two-fold purpose: 1) informing elected officials of constituent involvement; and 2) signaling Hanoi of US Congressional support.

Most states have memorials to honor POW/MIAs and all veterans. POW/MIA Vigils (for 24 hours or for a specific amount of time related to the number of Americans missing in your area) are meaningful, visible displays of support for the POW/MIA issue. Vigils can include candlelight ceremonies, reading of individual names from the state or 50 names representing one missing man from each of the 50 states. Congressional involvement in such events also signals interest in and support for the issue.

Encourage flying the League’s POW/MIA flag at the State Capitol, city hall and other local and state government buildings. Contact fire and police departments, schools and local businesses, requesting display of the POW/MIA flag at all appropriate locations. Check your local office of the U.S. Postal Service to ensure they have a flag and plan to display it, as required by law, on at least the six designated days (Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Recognition Day & Veterans Day) required, if not 24/7.

Rededication ceremonies may also be held for flags that are already on display, an ideal event to honor POW/MIAs from all wars. To obtain POW/MIA flags, contact the Ohio Chapter MIA-POW, Mrs. Liz Flick, 614-451-2405. [Liz Flick is the lady who wore a bracelet with my brother’s name (Capt. Herbert C. Crosby, MIA 1970) for over 35 years. She gave her bracelet to Paul Bartlett to use on a heliplaque presented to our family at his burial services in Arlington National Cemetery, May 2007. Read her story and see the plaque here.)

Distribute POW/MIA brochures, available from the League’s national office, 703-465-7432.

*Updated information to support POW/MIA events is available from the League’s web site (www.POWMIALeague.org) or the national office, upon request. If possible, please send a donation to help cover printing and shipping costs.