News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: NLF Update

Date: September 23, 1999

National League of Families
UPDATE LINE: SEPTEMBER 23, 1999

Thank you for calling the National League of Families Update Line. This message is being recorded on Thursday, September 23rd. The number of Americans still missing from the Vietnam War is still 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 our nation's gratitude for the service of returned POWs and those still missing. At the conclusion of the ceremony, immediately following the Missing Man flyovers of F16's and helicopters, League members in attendance were permitted to lay single yellow roses at the Tomb of the Unknowns for the Vietnam War. The inscription now carved in marble "HONORING AND KEEPING FAITH WITH AMERICA'S MISSING SERVICEMEN."

Remains believed to be those of four US personnel 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. Reportedly, the exchanges 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 recently concluded. 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. A large JTF-FA/CILHI team has arrived in Vietnam and begun joint field operations that will continue over the next 30 days in several provinces.

The League is very disappointed that 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 were. 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.