CRANE, Ind. - For more than 30 years the military community at Crane has honored former prisoners of war from the region along with America's missing in action and remained dedicated to paying tribute to their sacrifice.
Crane Army Ammunition Activity, joined by Naval Support Activity Crane and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, continued that tribute by hosting its annual Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day Ceremony here Sept. 14.
One former POW and the spouse of a deceased former POW were honored during the military ceremony hosted by the Army. Civilian and uniformed members of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were on hand to pay tribute. After the ceremony, Crane honored the guests at a luncheon where the veterans provided testimonials of their experiences as POWs.
Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin, executive director of the Indiana War Memorials Commission, was the guest speaker. During his speech he reflected on what those who were prisoners of war endured for their country and the strength of their resolve to survive.
"Over the years I've spoken with hundreds of POWs and the fact that they survived at all is a testament to their will and God's will," Goodwin said.
A seven-man firing party from the Crane and Odon Veterans of Foreign Wars posts fired three volleys while a bugler played taps to honor those who are missing and who died in action. The Bloomfield High School choir group, Center Stage, performed during the ceremony while the Bloomfield High School NJROTC provided the color guard for the ceremony.
Crane leadership in attendance included Crane Army commander Col. Mike Garlington, NSWC Crane Division commanding officer Capt. Mark Oesterreich, and NSA Crane commanding officer Cmdr. Timothy Powers. The invocation was provided by Crane Army employee Vincent Knox.
Following the ceremony, Garlington reflected on the importance of Crane hosting a ceremony like this that invited in the local community.
"It's an honor to host an event like this where we can honor former prisoners of war, those still missing in action and the families that always support from home," Garlington said.
Established Oct. 1977, Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions requirements in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial bases under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants.
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