Holloman remembers POW/MIA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman Airmen remembered the servicemembers who were prisoners of war and those missing in action in a ceremony Sept. 18 at Heritage Park here. 

The ceremony included a POW/MIA table symbolizing missing servicemembers, a roll of honors including those missing in action from New Mexico, the firing of volleys, a flyover with two T-38s and a speech about the importance of POW/MIA remembrance from Mr. B.J. Lawrence, New Mexico Veteran of Foreign Wars, state commander. 

"We are a military at war," said Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "But, I'm not sure if we're a nation at war. The VFW is a constant reminder to our nation of the sacrifice made by servicemembers." 

The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group hosted the event as a way to pause, remember and salute the POW/MIA servicemembers in past and present wars. 

"It is important to recognize and honor the American patriots who served the call of duty and provided service to their country in the condition of war," said Mr. Lawrence. "There are several reasons we remember the POW/MIA. We must instill the message that we will not leave behind any military member, and we must honor the families who still don't know the fate of their loved ones and to show them they are not forgotten." 

Nearly 98,000 servicemembers have not returned home from war, said Mr. Lawrence. Of those, 90,000 were lost in World War I, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. 

Mr. Lawrence said it is essential to teach children the importance of POW/MIA day, to have them understand the sacrifice servicemembers make. 

"The best way to teach the young is to have them talk to an active-duty servicemember or a former POW," said Mr. Lawrence. "This will allow them to grow and share the message and to always remember, until all servicemembers missing in action are brought home again."