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You are not forgotten
Posted 9/20/2012 Updated 9/20/2012
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Commentary by 2nd Lt. Frank Baranyai
14th Student Squadron
9/20/2012 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Today over 83,400 Americans of battles ranging from World War II up to today remain unaccounted for across the world. While their families await news of the fate of their missing family member, they know they do not wait alone. This Sept. 21, 2012 as with every third Friday in September, is National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day. Enacted by presidential proclamation, this day of recognition exists to uphold a promise made by the United States to the men and women who have served this nation--the promise to not leave them behind or forget the sacrifice they have made.
Our nation's dedication to this cause can be seen all over the world from teams in foreign lands seeking out the remains of fallen warriors to the black and white POW/MIA flag hanging proudly in the U.S. Capitol rotunda or waving beneath the Stars and Stripes at the White House, an honor reserved for that flag alone. The dedication can be seen at nationwide observances which honor living POW's and the families of those who have not yet returned from doing their duty. It can be seen around the wrists of thousands of Americans in the form of metal bracelets inscribed with the names of the missing to show their families that they have our support. Even while driving around Columbus Air Force Base one can see the dedication in the Richard "Gene" Smith Plaza at Wing Headquarters or in streets such as Harris, Lockhart, Pryor, Shumake, and Ward all named after local POW's. While it is important for every American to show this dedication, it is vital that the military supports the cause to the fullest.
As defenders of this nation we vow to follow the standards defined by the Code of Conduct which dictate our behavior during times of combat and captivity. That code ensures that we will return with honor, no matter what hardships we may endure. At the closing of this decree, we place our trust in the United States of America. Part of that trust is the confidence that if we are ever captured or killed, our country will do all it can to ensure we return home and that we will not be forgotten.
Friday merely serves as a reaffirmation of that sacred accord between each service member and his country, between Airmen and between Americans. It is our duty to pay homage to those who have given up years of their lives in captivity or perhaps their entire life in service of our country; not just Friday, but every day. Take this POW/MIA Recognition Day to evaluate whether or not you are holding true to your promise of ensuring the families of those 83,400 do not wait alone. |
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