News-Info-Alerts

Re: DoD - Johnson to Keynote

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: September 19, 2002

"Representing the Third District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives  

Johnson to Keynote National POW/MIA Event at Pentagon
September 19, 2002

On Friday, September 20th, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) will address the Pentagon's ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day at the River Parade Field at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is hosting the event.

A 29-year Air Force veteran, Johnson spent seven years as a Prisoner of War in the Vietnam War, more than half of that time in solitary confinement. A decorated war hero, Johnson was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.

President George W. Bush is expected to issue a proclamation commemorating Friday's observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities.

This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.

The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.

Friday's Pentagon ceremony will feature troops from each of the military services as well as a joint service aircraft flyover.

The general public is invited to the event, with free parking available in lanes 58 and 59 in the North Parking lot. A shuttle bus will transport attendees to and from the ceremony. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be canceled."