News-Info-Alerts

Re: National POW-MIA Recognition Day

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: September 23, 2002

"September 20, 2002

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

by 2nd Lt. Diane L. Maye
11th Services Division

There are many lessons to be learned by those who have the opportunity to serve this nation in wartime. Lessons of strength and courage are embodied in servicemen who have served as prisoners of war.

Just a generation ago, years of severe torture and interrogation was the common practice against American prisoners in Southeast Asia. Their stories show humanity in its most cruel form, yet they also demonstrate humankind's great ability to withstand evil and uphold dignity and honor for the good of their nation.

According to the Defense POW/ Missing Personnel Office, exact figures are not available for how many Americans served as prisoners of war or how many officially remain missing in action from this nation's conflicts. Over time, technological advances have provided our nation with better systems of accounting for deployed personnel. It is certain that over 800 allies served as prisoners during the Vietnam conflict and that roughly 32 allies served as POWs during the Gulf War. As of this publication, 8,195 American service members remain MIA from the Korean War, 1,905 from Vietnam and 126 from other Cold War encounters.

The number of personnel classified as MIA is slowly decreasing because of search and recovery efforts by organizations such as the Defense Intelligence Agency's Joint Task Force on Full Accounting. This organization is responsible for this nation's efforts to achieve fullest possible accounting of missing servicemen in Southeast Asia. The 11th Wing plays an integral part of this mission by performing funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and in the greater-D.C. area. Although the family member may have died several decades ago, the recovery effort and funeral ceremony often brings the necessary closure to the uncertainty of the circumstance of the family member's death. It also demonstrates that the nation has not forgotten the sacrifice the service member made toward this country's intentions.

The first national commemoration held to honor America's POW/MIAs took place on July 18, 1979. Congress continued to pass resolutions yearly to recognize POW/MIAs until 1995. In 1996 the president signed a proclamation designating National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

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