Local former POWs and the families of deceased POWs were honored guests at a Crane Army and Navy POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on Sept. 20. Honored guests from traveled from Bedford, Bloomington, Brazil, Crane, Danville, Jasonville, Linton, Odon, ...

Crane, Ind. -- Crane Army Ammunition Activity joined with Naval Support Activity Crane, and Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, in hosting the annual Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day Ceremony Sept. 20.

During the ceremony, held at the site of Crane's POW Tree and Monument, the Army and Navy took time to honor more than 29 former POWs and families of deceased former POWs. Employees, veterans and service members took part in laying a wreath at the POW Monument, placing a yellow ribbon on the POW Tree, raising a new POW/MIA flag and posting an empty chair draped in black representing those prisoners who died. A seven man firing party from a local American Legion post fired three volleys and Taps played to honor those who are missing and who died in action.

John Boling, civilian executive assistant of CAAA, told the crowd that while the recognition day passes for some Americans without much thought, those who gathered at Crane for the ceremony were determined to honor the promise Aca,!A"that we will never ever forget them.Aca,!A?

Former Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander and current Post 3281 Senior Vice Commander Bill Thien was the guest speaker. During his speech, Thien explained for the audience the story behind the POW/MIA bracelet he was wearing. The bracelet was for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven W. Heitman of Indianapolis. Heitman and nine others in a helicopter were shot down on March 13, 1968. Since that day, Heitman and two others have been listed as missing in action.

Thien provided insight into the importance of never forgetting the nation's prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action for the audience, which included the Bloomfield High School Choir.

Aca,!A"I hope that these young men and women that were here today will go out and take a look at that,Aca,!A? Thien later said. He added he hoped future ceremonies will have more young Americans who can learn more about POWs and MIAs.

Following the ceremony, Crane honored the guests at a luncheon where many of the veterans provided testimonials of their experiences as POWs.

CAAA was established in Oct. 1977 and is a tenant of the Navy Region Midwest, Naval Support Activity Crane. The Army activity maintains ordnance professionals and infrastructure to receive, store, ship, produce, renovate and demilitarize conventional ammunition, missiles and related components.