A Pentagon ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. This ceremony will feature troops from each of the military services. The president will issue a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.
Use this Link for the National Web Site for MIA-POW.
As you entered the banquet hall this evening, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them. This Table set for one is small-Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! The Tablecloth is white-Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember! The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember! The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember! The Candle, the candle is lit-Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember! A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! There is Salt upon the bread plate-Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember! The Glass is inverted-They cannot toast with us this night. Remember! The Chair-The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember! Remember!-All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember! Remember!-Until the day they come home, Remember!
