News-Info-Alerts

Re: Living with the Unknown

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: May 02, 2003

"Opinion
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Pantagraph Editorial
Friday, May 2, 2003

Iraqi families finally free to seek missing loved ones

The remains of the last soldier listed as missing in the latest war against Iraq have been found near an ambush site and positively identified through DNA testing.

But the fates of other missing Americans from earlier wars are still unknown, including Navy pilot Scott Speicher, shot down on the first day of the first Persian Gulf War, and many from the Vietnam War.

We share the hopes of their loved ones in seeking a resolution of the mysteries about these individuals who bravely served our country in battle.

At the same time, our hearts go out to the people of Iraq whose loved ones are missing, not just from this war but from decades of rule by Saddam Hussein's regime.

It is tough under any circumstances to have a family member missing. But imagine families living under ruthless dictators, for whom it would be risky to even ask questions after a loved one disappeared. One day, authorities take someone away for "questioning," perhaps in the middle of the night. Then that person is never seen or heard from again.

Many families are coming forward now that Saddam has been ousted. They have come to U.S. military posts in Iraq or government buildings, carrying photos of people who have been missing 10, 20 or more years. They are hungry for knowledge, hopeful someone has seen their missing loved ones and knows what became of them.

Maybe some stories will have happy endings, stories of people who have remained in hiding and refrained from contacting their families for fear it would put their families in danger. With Saddam out of the picture, those in hiding might finally feel safe enough to go home.

But we fear such miracles will be the exception, not the rule. After so many years, the trails are cold. One can only hope that records can be unearthed somewhere that can answer questions -- even if it is not the answer they want to hear.

Copyright © 2003, Pantagraph Publishing Co. "