Remember POWs and MIAs
Almost 60 years ago, in cold and deep snow, a deadly, historic event occurred: the Battle of the Bulge.
Hundreds of thousands of men would perish or be taken prisoner in this massive German assault on the Allied front lines around the borders of Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
I have a family member who was an infantry soldier there and is still missing today. All of his dreams, aspirations, and potential joy with family and friends were lost with his blood in the snows of Belgium. He is one of more than 78,000 troops still missing from World War II. More than 8,000 are still missing from the Korean conflict; more than 120 are still missing from the Cold War; and more than 1,800 are still missing from the Vietnam War.
Thousands more were prisoners of war. They somehow survived some of the most heinous acts known to mankind. They were cruelly stripped of their freedom; treated with contempt and brutality; used as pawns by their captors in a larger political struggle; fought long, lonely battles against despair, physical and psychological torture, and the ultimate fear of being forgotten.
In 1997, an official government commemoration called the National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established to remember and honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, as well as their families.
I encourage all to observe this day, remember its intention and pray for the successful accountability and closure to those still missing.
I'd also like to ask for your prayers and any help in my continual effort to bring my family member's service to closure. For those who have a family member who is still missing, keep your faith, keep your hope, keep your prayers, and don't give up. To all POWs still alive today, please accept my deepest, humble gratitude and indebtedness. You are never, ever forgotten.
