FORT STEWART, Ga. - When I think of prisoners of war and those who are missing in action, the first thing that comes to my mind is the flag.
That black flag with the white writing is an unmistakable symbol of those who are unaccounted for during wartime operations.
I tend to wonder how others in our nation feel about it. What do they think of? Is that flag a symbol for them as well?
Little known fact: the MIA/POW flag is only authorized to be flown six specific days of the year. These days include Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and POW/MIA Remembrance Day.
Besides the idea of the flag exploding into my head as a reaction, I also tend to have an accompanying wave of emotion. Not an intense feeling but one that flows into my mind and settles there for a while.
From this wave, I can pull several emotions. Emotions like guilt, sadness and pride.
All of these emotions stem from many thoughts surrounding our lost Soldiers.
I feel guilty because, while those MIA and POW are unaccounted for, I am able to spend time with my Family, eat dinner at my own table, sleep in a comfortable bed and take advantage of these luxuries without another thought. I can only imagine the living conditions that prisoners of war are forced to endure.
I feel sadness because there are those Families that do not know when or if they will be able to hold their lost Soldier. They do not know if they are okay, alive, hurt or suffering. They are forced to wait and watch and listen for any sign that their Soldier is back home. The feeling of unknowing and anticipation every day until it is resolved can drive a person insane.
I feel pride because I know that no matter what, our Soldiers who are unaccounted for have an entire nation searching, hoping and fighting to make sure that they are brought home to those patient Families. I have pride because even if those Soldiers do not make it home alive to their loved ones, they will be remembered and honored for their struggles and sacrifices.
Our Soldiers Creed states that "I will never leave a fallen comrade." This statement rings true as well when it comes to remembering those Fallen comrades as well.
We must never give up on those who are lost or unaccounted for. We must always keep them in our hearts and hope for their safety.
Individually, we may not be able to change the situation, but as a nation we can show them that we are still supporting them back home.
Every third Friday of September is National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action.
On Sept. 21, there will be a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony held at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is across the street from the Post Museum. The Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The guest speaker for this year's event is the 3rd ID Deputy Commanding General-Rear, Col. John Hort.
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