News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: NLF Update

Date: September 19, 1999

National League of Families
UPDATE LINE: SEPTEMBER 17, 1999

Thank you for calling the National League of Families Update Line. This message is being recorded on Friday, September 17th, National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The number of Americans still missing from the Vietnam War is 2,054.

In honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Hugh Shelton and Senator Max Cleland of Georgia dedicated the inscription on the empty Vietnam War crypt at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. All three expressed strong support for achieving the fullest possible accounting and honored the families of those still missing, while expressing the gratitude of the nation to returned POWs and those still missing for their service. League members in attendance were permitted to lay single yellow roses at the Tomb of the Unknowns for the Vietnam War at the conclusion of the ceremony immediately after the missing man flyover of F16's and helicopters. The inscription reads "HONORING AND KEEPING FAITH WITH AMERICA'S MISSING SERVICEMEN."

Remains believed to be those of four US servicemen from the Vietnam War arrived at Hickam AFB on September 8th. The remains were recovered from several excavation sites by joint US-Vietnamese teams in July and August.

US and Vietnamese officials met recently in Hanoi to pursue answers on 43 cases listed as last known alive in Vietnam. Results reportedly were useful. Many of these are cases that should be easiest for Vietnam to resolve with serious unilateral effort. According to a quote in a recent PARADE MAGAZINE, Ambassador Peterson considers these 43 cases as the only ones "that remain to be determined," virtually dismissing all other cases as excavation prospects. Even recognizing that he was appointed in the Clinton Administration, one has to question Ambassador Peterson's constant portrayal of Vietnam's cooperation as far greater than reality suggests.

Joint field operations in Laos resumed on August 17th and are nearing conclusion. The 30-day schedule called for excavating two primary sites, with 8 additional sites as alternates. Reportedly, remains have been recovered at some excavation sites. POW/MIA consultations were held in Laos in early August. Leading the US team was BG Harry B. Axson, Jr., new commander of Joint Task Force Full-Accounting. Vietnam and US will resume joint field operations on September 21st.

There has been no serious US Government follow-up to the several initiatives that resulted from the League's May 11-22nd delegation to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Each of these governments agreed to participate in a 4-party conference concept and pledged renewed efforts in specific areas, including unilateral actions.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/MIA Affairs Bob Jones briefly visited all three Indochina countries June 23-29th. The League had hoped that these important opportunities would not be squandered, but apparently they have been. The full report of the League's May 11-22nd Delegation to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is available on the League's web site: pow-miafamilies.org or by calling the League's office at 202-223-6846.

Due to limited staff and funding, the League is unable to provide large amounts of public awareness material. Current, factual information is available on the League's web site at pow-miafamilies.org or the League office can provide single copies for duplication. POW/MIA window decals are $20 per 100 from the League office. For information on any matter in this recording, call 202/223-6846. If no one can take your call, please leave a message with the subject, your name, address, and telephone number. Again, thank you for calling.