Solemn day honors POW/MIAs and families still waiting

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  (Editor's Note: Although many people play Taps at POW/MIA ceremonies, it may be seen as inappropriate by some guests. "Taps is played in honor of our fallen comrades who have served this country," Sergeant Molchak explained. "The POW/MIA ceremony is used to recognize those individuals who have served this country but are not necessarily deceased ... the playing of taps in this case may be premature and could be deemed as offensive.")

Each year, the United States observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday of September.

The day is set aside to honor all American former prisoners of war, servicemembers and civilians still unaccounted for, and their families. It's marked with a large, formal event at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and smaller, yet no less solemn, events at installations, schools and veterans' facilities across the country.

During the 2007 Pentagon ceremony, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation stating, "America has been blessed by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have answered the call to defend our country and protect liberty around the world. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor a special group of patriots: those who have been prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. We remain forever in their debt, and we renew our commitment to them and to their families never to rest until we have accounted for every missing service member."

The President is expected to preside over this year's national event Sept. 19.

With more than 80,000 Americans still listed as missing, "it's important for the missing members' families to know that our nation is committed to accounting for every veteran," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Molchak, NCO in charge of the Offutt Honor Guard. "Our military members served this country during a time when we needed them the most ... They deserve no less from us.

"We should be forever mindful of the contributions made by our brave veterans both past and present," Sergeant Molchak said. "The effort to account for our missing is an excellent way to ensure that they are always in our hearts and prayers."

Several military and civilian organizations, including the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, remain committed to a full accounting of our nation's heroes.

Established in October 2003, the mission of JPAC is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of past conflicts. With a motto of "Until they are home," the JPAC staff are dedicated to the belief that all MIA's families deserve an answer to the questions of their loved one's fate and continue the promise to bring home every American POW/MIA.

On Sept. 4, the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the remains of three U.S. servicemen, missing from World War II, had been identified and have since been returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Ensign Irvin A.R. Thompson, of Hudson County, N.J.; Ensign Eldon P. Wyman, of Portland, Ore.; and Fireman 2nd Class Lawrence A. Boxrucker, of Dorchester, Wis.

As NCO in charge of the Offutt Honor Guard, Sergeant Molchak and his team supports many requests each year for special ceremonies involving a POW/MIA table. The table represents military members and civilians listed as prisoners of war or missing (see related story on the significance of every item on a POW/MIA table).

As he performs these ceremonies, Sergeant Molchak said he "feels very grateful ... not only to the men and women who have sacrificed in the line of duty but also that I have the freedom to go home at the end of the day and spend time with my wife and kids because of their selfless actions."

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The United States government has more than 80,000 Americans still listed as missing. Here's a breakdown:

World War II - 78,000 with 35,000 considered recoverable if locations are identified. 43,000 are lost at sea or entombed in sunken vessels.

Korean War: 8,142

Vietnam War: 1,159

Cold War: 120

Gulf War: 1

Iraq War: 3