Eglin pays tribute during POW/MIA ceremony

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Active duty, retirees, families and community leaders attended the POW/MIA "Until every story ends" recognition ceremony Sept. 17 at the Air Armament Museum.

In his emotional speech, guest speaker Okaloosa County Judge Patt Maney fought back his tears as he spoke of his fellow military men and women who are still missing.

"We can't imagine the pain, fear, loneliness and loss each of you have felt," Mr. Maney told the crowd. "Words and actions are inadequate. All we can really do is say 'thank you.' We salute you, your sacrifice and your loss. It was not in vain."

In a ceremony performed by members of the joint-services honor guard, a table was delicately decorated with six place settings, a candle and a single red rose wrapped in a yellow ribbon. The table represented service members from each of the military branches who have yet to come home.

"You have lots of families who have been, since the 60s and 70s, wondering about their loved ones and we need to help bring them closure," says retired Col. Howard Hill, a former POW and guest speaker.

Closure is just what Mary Ellen Nabors needs. Her brother, Warrant Officer George Condry, has been missing in action since 1968.

"It'd mean the world to me if they would find my brother and bring him home," said Mrs. Nabors.

The ceremony included a bag-pipe performance of "Amazing Grace" and a harmonious version of the National Anthem by the Coleman family. There was also a wreath presentation and a rifle volley by Eglin's honor guard. The ceremony concluded with a fly-over by the 40th Test Evaluation Squadron and closing remarks by Maj. Gen. C. R. Davis, Air Armament Center commander.

This year's ceremony marked the ninth year Team Eglin has hosted the event. It was a day all about remembering and honoring.

"Even though there are some that have come, there are still a lot of us that haven't come home and that's what we have to remember," Mr. Hill said.