News-Info-Alerts

Re: A Salute to Sacrifice

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: September 21, 2002

"A salute to sacrifice
 
By Amy Dorsett
San Antonio Express-News
   
With heads bowed and hands on hearts, hundreds of San Antonians gathered Friday at ceremonies across town to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Each year remembrances pay respect to the thousands of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Carroll Beeler, a Vietman war POW; retired Brig. Gen. Robinson Risner, a Vietman POW, Dr. Richard Bauer of the Veterans Administration; Congressional Medal of Honor awardee Jose M. Lopez; and VA chaplain Charles Edwards say the Pledge of Allegiance during a POW/MIA Day ceremony in front of the VA's Frank M. Tejeda Outpatient Clinic on Eckhert Road.

Joshua Trujillo/Express-News
World War II veteran and former POW Jose M. Saldana listens to the names of fellow POWs read during a ceremony honoring POW/MIA Day.

Lackland AFB hosted one of the city's earliest gatherings, where former POWs were honored for their service in a remembrance ceremony.

A wreath was presented for the four branches of the armed services, and a military band played patriotic music.

Maj. Gen. Paul Lebras, commander of the Joint Information Operations Center and Air Intelligence Agency, said the United States continues to bring back remains.

"Little by little, we are making progress," he said. "Over the past decade, we have repatriated the remains of more than 555 people. More than 1,900 still remain missing due to many years of Vietnam conflict. For the families of their loved ones, progress is slow, and clearly, much remains to be done. We realize that results are the only measure for determining real success."

Vade Forrester, a civilian worker at Lackland and a retired reservist, said he thinks it is important for Americans to set time aside to honor POWs and MIAs.

"It's an opportunity to remind ourselves of the great sacrifice people made in defending our nation," he said as he waited for Friday's ceremony to begin.

Howard Ray, who while in the Army was captured in December 1950 by North Korean guerillas and confined for more than two months, said he remains indebted for the service of his comrades.

"We can never adequately express our gratitude," said Ray, who retired as a sergeant major. "We are a nation grateful for their bravery, grateful for the service, grateful for their sacrifice."


Former prisoner of war Oscar Cortez observes a moment of silence during a POW-MIA Remembrance Ceremony. Karen L. Shaw/Express-News

Another ceremony was held across town at the Frank M. Tejeda VA Outpatient Clinic in the medical center.

There, more than 200 people gathered to praise more than 100 POWs in attendance.

Angie Smith attended with her family. Her husband's grandfather, who served in the Army, was a POW for six months during World War II.

"It's very emotional to think these men sacrificed their lives for us," she said. "It's an honor to be here."

Retired Brig. Gen. Robinson Risner, a Vietnam POW for seven years and senior ranking officer of the "Hanoi Hilton" prison during that time, spoke about his years of service.

Afterward, Risner said he was proud that so many took time to honor POW/MIAs.

"When you're a POW, it's the longest time in your life," he said. "For people to lift their hats in recognition is a nice thing."

adorsett@express-news.net

Portions © 2002 KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News"