All gave some, some gave all

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Cannon
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., --  Since it's recognition as an independent nation in 1776, the United States of America has been involved in numerous conflicts requiring military action. During our involvement in World War II alone, there are over 73,000 Americans missing in action.

It is because of all of these members and more that we have set an entire day aside to honor them for giving us all they could give, as well as the countless members that suffered through imprisonment from opposing forces, anguishing through unimaginable tortures during their fight to protect our freedoms.

Sept. 19, 2014, millions of citizens across America took time to recognize, honor and appreciate those who have been listed as missing in action or a prisoner of war.

Holloman Air Force Base holds a 24-hour run and vigil. The annual events consist of Airmen continually carrying the POW/MIA flag or standing present at the POW/MIA memorial in front of Heritage Park.

"Our National POW/MIA Recognition day and the ceremony we are holding today acts as a symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to achieve the fullest possible accounting of our American service members who have been held prisoners of war or are missing in action and still remain unaccounted for," said Colonel Robert Kiebler, 49th Wing commander.

Our nation's freedoms have been built on the sacrifice of service members for generations, and it is important we never forget those who were lost giving all they had to give.

"It's important that we never forget," said Warren Booker, Veterans of Foreign Wars Tularosa- Alamogordo Post commander. "Those who forget are bound to repeat."

This day helps the families and friends of those who are missing in action or were prisoners of war.

"The brother of a close family friend is still missing in action after the Vietnam war," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Lopez, "I see it in their face what it means to them whenever events like these are held."

As long as there are military members overseas facing combat situations, there will always be a chance for the number of our lost to rise.

"Thank you all for your service to this great nation and always remember the sacrifices of those that have gone before us," said Kiebler. "We will not forget and we will never rest until all of those unaccounted for are returned home."