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POW/MIA observance held Saturday
By Peggy Blackburn
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Crystal Jones, Cheryl Pointer and Matthew Givens rehearse for the upcoming production of “Flaming Idiots.” Herald Photo/Peggy Blackburn
Military prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs) were honored Saturday morning during Wetumpka’s annual POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony. Guest speaker Col. John McCain of Maxwell Air Force Base said it is important that the service of those personnel be recognized.
“A national ceremony was held yesterday in Washington, D.C. honoring the sacrifices of those who gave so much for their country,” said McCain. “POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days each year mandated for flying the POW flag.
“All Americans should never forget those who answered the call,” he said.
McCain noted that U.S. officials continue to seek those military personnel “ 88,000 still unaccounted for from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and even one from the Gulf War.
“To quote Secretary of Defense Robert A. England, a promise was made to the men and women who wore the cloth of this nation that no American would be left behind,” he said.
McCain also talked about a recent visit to Washington, D.C. and the memorials in that city.
“I took a few moments to read some of the inscriptions on the World War II Memorial,” he said. “Those included letters that showed a clear understanding of the importance of their mission.
“I also spent some time with Col. Bud Day, one of America’s most decorated veterans,” McCain continued. “I was fascinated by his POW experience. His personal bravery was significant, and he is just one of many such veterans.
“I know it is because of them that we live the life we do,” he concluded.
Several POWs were also in attendance at Saturday’s event was hosted by Korean War Veterans Charter 263 and Smith-Leonard VFW Post 4572.
In addition, the ceremony included prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance and “Taps.” Navy veteran Jack DeVenney also spoke briefly about the recently completed second volume of his Elmore County veterans listing.
More than three dozen people attended the service, held on the lawn of the old Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka.
POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days during the year that Congress has mandated flying the POW/MIA flag. Other days are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
The next ceremony planned by the local VFW Post will be in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
