Tomorrow, Friday, September 16, 2011, take a moment to remember our fallen heroes from all wars who were/are prisoners of war and missing in action.
It’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2011. The current Administration is trying to cut back drastically the funding to repatriate the remains of our POW/MIAs. We all need to wear Black this day to show our solidarity to those of whom did not make it back from combat, and to their families, who desire closure in knowing the true fate of their loved ones. Our country should never forget our fallen, and not leave any one behind.
We should also recognize those who work tirelessly digging, excavating, researching to find and identify our loved ones. This would be Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). They will be hosting a ceremony to commemorate this day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, to honor all former prisoners of war and fallen U.S. personnel whose identity remains unknown.
JPAC’s home is in Hawaii at the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii. Like JPAC on your facebook page. Keep up on what’s going on. Very interesting work they do. I’d love to be part of that team.
There will be many events going on across the country, although sadly most folks won’t know or don’t know about them unless they’re associated with a POW/ MIA or a supporter like The Rolling Thunder.
Last year I had the honor and privilege to be a guest of the Rolling Thunder’s The Ride Home event which honors all former prisoners of war and remembering of those still missing in action. It’s held each year at the at the National Historic Site at Andersonville, GA (the site of the historical prisoner of war camp in the Civil War and now national cemetery). It’s also the home of the National Prisoners of War Museum. Visit The Ride Home website for more information of what they are are doing for our national defenders. Visit their facebook page for hands on accounts of the event.
I have friends who have family members still missing in action, and prisoners of war who I met last year who are all there now. I would love to be with them, hug them and feel the comfort of fellowship. Hopefully next year. There are POWs form WWII to Vietnam who are there. It’s an awesome event. What an honor and overwhelming experience it is to be among our most courageous and determined national heroes. Never forget. Teach the young.
I have friends who have family members still missing in action, and prisoners of war who I met last year who are all there now. I would love to be with them, hug them and feel the comfort of fellowship. Hopefully next year. There are POWs form WWII to Vietnam who are there. It’s an awesome event. What an honor and overwhelming experience it is to be among our most courageous and determined national heroes. Never forget. Teach the young.
| “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” Calvin Coolidge |
Firebird Nine One 