Osan officials dedicate POW/MIA memorial

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- Osan Air Base officials dedicated a new memorial to commemorate the POW/MIA National Recognition Day in front of the base theater here Sept. 18.

The POW/MIA committee here wanted to make this year's remembrance ceremony special, and while looking at locations to hold the ceremony, they came up with the idea of a memorial.

"If you go to other installations or bases, there is something that recognizes the POW/MIA's contribution to wars past," said Master Sgt. Donald Winchester, assigned to the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron. "Our goal this year was to find a location for a memorial and then dedicate it our POW/MIA's during the remembrance ceremony."

The committee said they were looking at three different locations for the memorial, but they eventually chose the base theater because of the amount of vehicles and pedestrian traffic that pass daily.

"In years past, Osan did not really have a place to hold a remembrance ceremony other than at the base flag pole," said Master Sgt. Kevin Polson, of the 51st Security Forces Squadron. "Rather than keep with the tradition, we decided to fund a memorial on base where future remembrance ceremonies can be held to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

The remembrance ceremony started when runners participating in the POW/MIA 24-hour vigilance run arrived with the POW/MIA flag. The run was conducted to honor and recognize the sacrifices of American prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.

During the run, Osan AB members made sure the POW/MIA flag constantly remained in motion.

"This year, almost 800 Air Force and Army personnel participated in the vigil run and ran more than 2,140 miles," said Master Sgt. Toby Dunlap, from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron. "The vigilance run is important because it symbolizes our respect to our nation's heroes and for America's commitment to never forget about those still missing in action."

At the remembrance ceremony, Frank Lyons, the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of the Pacific commander, said he was grateful for the opportunity to recognize those men and women who fought, served and sacrificed to keep America free.

"There are more than 88,000 Americans that are currently listed as missing or unaccounted for going back to the second world war," Mr. Lyons said. "That number equals to the population of any town, in any state in our country. Now add that number to the number of surviving parents, brothers, sisters and children and you have a large population of Americans who continue to grieve in silence every day."

During the closing comments of the dedication ceremony, Col. Mark Mattison, the 51st Fighter Wing vice commander, reflected on the importance of recognizing those who suffered and sacrificed for our freedom.

"Today is the day our nation set aside to reflect on the heroism and determination these men and women displayed in the face of unimaginable hardship," Colonel Mattison said. 'The truth is that every day that this nation can enjoy its freedom is tribute to their courage and tenacity."