POW/MIA: Team Hurlburt vows to never forget

  • Published
  • By Raquel Sanchez
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Team Hurlburt members gathered at Hurlburt Field Airpark to pay respect to fellow Airmen held as prisoner of war, or proclaimed missing in action, during a remembrance ceremony Sept. 16, 2011.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a time when Americans can pause and give recognition for the bravery, sacrifices and services made by POW/MIAs. It is one of six days throughout the year Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag over federal facilities, cemeteries, post offices and military installations.

"More importantly, it is flown in the front yards, school yards, stadiums and places of remembrance," said Col. Ted Fordyce, vice commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing.

As a nation, Americans are reminded to never forget those who have served and are currently serving in our nation's Armed Services. Many do so with the knowledge they may pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Many American heroes are POWs, while several more are still MIA. According to the Defense POW/MIA office, more than 83,000 Americans are missing from World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam Conflict and Gulf War.

"We, as citizens of this great nation, have an obligation to never forget," said Fordyce.

The ceremony concluded with Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing Honor Guard raising the POW/MIA flag signifying no Airman will be forgotten.

"We must carry in our hearts and in our minds and in our drive those who cannot be with us today, those who have given so much, so much for all of us," said Fordyce. "Let us not forget."