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POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrew Davis
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
To commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day; veterans, Joint Total Force members and local community members gathered at the Parade Field Friday to recognize the past and present prisoners of war and mission in action servicemembers.
Prior to the ceremony, members of the American Legion Riders, a national patriotic motorcycle group who, among many other activities, raise money for veteran organizations, rode from the base gates to the site of the ceremony. The ceremony itself included remarks from Scott Air Force Base leaders, a 21-gun salute, the playing of Echo Taps, the laying of a wreath on Scott's POW/MIA monument and more. 

"Here today we are here to honor a group of members who made a significant difference in the war fighting effort," said Carl Stratton, Sons of the American Legion detachment of Illinois commander, in his opening remarks to the crowd. 

The ceremony started out with the signing of the national anthem by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Keyser 375th Mission Support Squadron readiness NCO. 

The guest speaker for the event was Diane Rose. She has served multiple terms as commander of the Okaw Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War and is a past commander of the Department of Illinois American Ex-Prisoners of War. Ms. Rose shared her fathers story, a former World War II POW of being imprisoned in Stalag II B in Hammerstein, Germany for 15 months before being liberated by American forces on April 13, 1945. 

Following the speakers, theUnited States Air Force Band of Mid-America played a service song medley, to commemorate the five branches of military service that were represented at the event. 

Immediately following the medley the Polish American War Veterans honor guard performed a 21-gun salute, along with the playing of taps by O'Fallon Township High School buglers; Cody Anderson and Evan Paeth. 

After the ceremony, everyone was invited over to the POW/MIA monument located on the corner of Heritage Drive and POW/MIA Road for donuts and coffee and the annual wreath laying ceremony to commemorate all the servicemembers past and present who were a POW or MIA. 

After the social a cookout was held at the Teen Center picnic area were past, present and future servicemembers enjoyed food and socialized. 

"I really enjoyed talking to the veterans and learning about their past experiences. It really makes me motivated to start my future Air Force career," said cadet 2nd Lt. Amber Kennan. 

Remembrance ceremonies took place across the nation and on military installations worldwide to remind Americans of the sacrifices made by POW/MIAs in service to their country. 

"You are the inspiration and desire for many of us to continue to serve our nation and we all thank you," said Colonel Hunt.