News-Info-Alerts

Re: A Community Remembers

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: September 22, 2002

"S.A. offers respect, thanks to nation's POWs, MIAs
 
By Amy Dorsett
Express-News Staff Writer
   
With heads bowed and hands on hearts, hundreds of San Antonians gathered together today at ceremonies across town to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Each year there are observances to pay respect for the thousands of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

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

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

“Little by little, we are making progress. 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,” he said. “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 thought it was 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 today’s ceremony to begin.

Howard Ray, who while in the Army was captured in December 1950 by North Korean guerillas and kept for more than two months, said he remains indebted to 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.”

Another ceremony was held across town at the Frank M. Tejeda VA Outpatient Clinic at the South Texas 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 while incarcerated, told the crowd stories about his years of service.

Afterward, Risner said he was proud that so many took time to honor POWs and 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"