National POW-MIA Recognition Day 19th September 2003

We Are Still Waiting

"... that we write no last chapters; we close no books; we put away no final memories until your questions are answered. Your husbands, fathers, and sons and brothers did their duty by this Nation, and this Nation will do its duty by them. Today we stand together."

President Ronald Reagan 20 July 1984

"This country deeply appreciates the pain and suffering endured by families whose fathers, sons, husbands, or brothers are today still missing or unaccounted for. These families are an example of the strength and patriotism of all Americans. We as a people are united in supporting efforts to return the captive, recover the missing, resolve the accounting, and relieve the suffering of the families who wait. We accept our continuing obligation to these missing servicemen."

President Ronald Reagan 27 July 1985

"Our Nation's POWs/MIAs accepted great risks to help defend the lives and liberty of others, and they deserve our faithfulness and resolve in return. We have an obligation to them and to their families, and we will honor it. Indeed, all Americans recognize the lingering anguish of those who await word of their loved ones' fates, and we are determined to help them gain the peace and solace that real answers will bring. "

President George Herbert Walker Bush 12 September 1991

"We acknowledge a continuing obligation to these casualties of war, America's missing service members and civilians. Our Nation remains committed to this cause, a matter of highest national priority. We renew our pledge to obtain the answers that the family members of these heroes deserve, recognizing the profound loss they have endured and their steadfast resolve to gain the peace of certainty."

President William Jefferson Clinton 10 September 1993

"The grief for our prisoners of war and those missing in action is most intense among their families and loved ones at home, who wait -- often for years, and sometimes in vain -- for confirmation of their fate. These families display their own courage by their endurance in the face of deep anxiety. Their cause is our cause, and we pledge ourselves to them anew on this special day."

President William Jefferson Clinton 20 September 1996

"Throughout American history, many men and women have bravely served in our military and sacrificed much to preserve our country and protect the democratic ideals that make our Nation a beacon of hope. Some of those who answered the call to service were captured in conflict and imprisoned by our enemies; and many remain missing in action.

Each year on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor those Americans who were prisoners of war and recognize them for the courage and determination they showed in the face of unspeakable hardships. We also honor those who remain unaccounted for, especially remembering the sacrifices of their families who must courageously face each day without knowing the fate of their loved ones."

President George W. Bush 19 September 2002

"The sacrifice and service of America's veterans, including those who became prisoners of war or who went missing in action, have preserved freedom for America and brought freedom to millions around the world. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the extraordinary courage of the Americans who have been prisoners of war, and we pray for those who are still missing in action and unaccounted for. This Nation also remembers the challenges and heartache endured by the families of prisoners of war and missing in action. We seek answers for the families of those who are still missing, and we will not rest until we have a full accounting. "

President George W. Bush 19 September 2004

For those who cannot enjoy the full and free life each of us wants,
who among us will stand in their place.

POW-MIA You Are Not Forgotten

May God bless all of our Prisoners and Missing and those who wait.

The opinions expressed on this site are those of
Advocacy and Intelligence Index for Prisoners of War - Missing in Action.
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail us at the above address.

Image - "Water Street" by Linda Dobbs

Music - Ave Maria, Franz Liszt

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