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Scott personnel join in POW/MIA remembrance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Although the ceremony started late due to rain, attendance was still high at the 17th annual Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition ceremony hosted by the Scott POW/MIA Council Saturday at Freedom Farm in Freeburg, Ill. 

"POW/MIA ceremonies are held to honor those that are missing, those killed in action and those that are still serving," said former U.S. Army Private 1st Class William Schanuel, Korean War Veteran's Association Imjin Chapter. 

POW/MIA ceremonies are held on military installations, ships at sea, schools, churches and fire stations around the world to honor servicemembers and those who do not return. 

The first recognition ceremony was held July 18, 1979 and was celebrated in the following years when legislated by the president. In the mid-1980's, the recognition date was set to April 9, which was the day during World War II when the most Americans were captured. The next year, the ceremony was cancelled due to inclement weather. Thus, POW/MIA recognition day was moved to the third Friday in September, which has no association with any war or organization's national convention. 

"We need to let our young folks know what we have gone through," said Gary Portell, ceremony singer. 

To date there are 4,452 servicemembers missing in action from WWI, 78,773 servicemembers from WWII, 8,056 servicemembers from the Korean War, 123 servicemembers from the Cold War, 1,752 servicemembers from the Vietnam War, one servicemember from Operation Desert Storm and one servicemember from Operation Iraqi freedom. 

Marine Col. (ret.) Jack Jackson, guest speaker and a Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm veteran, opened his speech with, "Welcome home vets. 

"Remember why you are here today, POWs must talk about the memories because fond memories are what you want to leave behind for today, like the first hug from a child you left behind," he continued. "When the uniforms don't fit and the memories that weren't pleasant have faded, you continue to serve this nation by taking a meal to someone or brining a coat to someone. You are setting the stage for the kids coming home because they will follow what you did. You truly are the greatest Americans." 

The ceremony had several distinguished visitors in attendance from the surrounding areas including U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Raymond English, U.S. Transportation Command operations and plans directorate mobility assistant, and Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth McQuiston, U.S. TRANSCOM senior enlisted leader. 

The event concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Polish American War Veterans and Amazing Grace played by Tech. Sgt. John Cooper and Michael Edwards. 

Following the event, a barbeque cookout was held for guests.