Military remembers POW/MIAs

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "You are not forgotten" is the nation's solemn promise to the families of those missing in action and unaccounted for from our nation's wars.

That promise will be reaffirmed Sept. 16 at this year's POW/MIA ceremony. The ceremony symbolizes the United States' resolve to never forget POWs or those who served their country in conflicts and are still missing. The event, scheduled at the Air Force Armament Museum, will begin at 9 a.m.

Retired Col. Washington J. Sanchez, Jr. will be the guest speaker for the event. Sanchez is the Department of Florida commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Most of his 27 plus years in the Army were served with troops in the Field Artillery. Early on he was wounded while serving as a Forward Observer with an Airborne/Airmobile Company of the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. His military awards include two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters and a "V" Device, the Purple Heart medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal a number unit and foreign ribbons.

The 46th Test Wing is the host for the ceremony. Committee Chairman Capt. Donald McCaffery said each year, one day is dedicated to honor the men and women who have sacrificed for the nation as a POW or MIA.

"It is important that we never forget those who have suffered or were tortured while in captivity or are still missing. These ceremonies remind us that war has a personal side that changes lives and families forever," McCaffery said. "We hold these POW/MIA recognition day ceremonies to remember them and to give them the honor they deserve."

This is the 32nd year of ceremonies honoring POW/MIAs and Eglin's 10th ceremony. Congress passed a resolution authorizing National POW/MIA Recognition Day to be observed on July 18, 1979. It was observed on the same date in 1980 and was held on July 17 in 1981 and 1982. It was then observed on April 9 in 1983 and July 20 in 1984. The event was observed on July 19 in 1985, and then from 1986 forward the date moved to the third Friday of September.