A slice of lemon to help us remember

  • Published
  • By Maj. Tony Clavenna
  • 43rd Maintenance Operations Squadron commander
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) --  Several times throughout the year, we gather to honor those who fight for freedom. We honor our fallen Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines in May and our veterans in November. We honor their sacrifices and sometimes even thank our veterans personally. Perhaps we even reflect on the impact of their sacrifices on their families and pass along our thanks to them as well. But how often do we consider and remember those missing in action and our prisoners of war?

Today there are some 88,000 American service members still identified as missing in action from all conflicts. This includes 126 from the Cold War, 1,854 from Vietnam, 8,186 from Korea and one from the Gulf War. Of these missing, more than 1,600 are fellow Air Force members.

It is hard to imagine what they experienced and what some may still be experiencing. It is even more difficult to imagine what it must be like for their loved ones. How do they sustain hope for a reunion? If they convince themselves that their servicemember died, how do they find closure when there are no remains and there is still some hope? The uncertainty must weigh heavy on the minds and hearts of loved ones. These families and our MIAs need our prayers, support and hope.

Another group in need of our support is our POWs. I find it incredible to think of the stress, loneliness and torture American POWs have experienced, some of whom spent several years in captivity. What tremendous strength of character and purpose it must take to survive such an environment. Our POWs’ selflessness, faith in country and perseverance are all examples we should learn from and strive to emulate. We should thank them and their families for their sacrifice and service.

So what can you and I do for our POWs and missing? First, join in honoring them on National POW/MIA Recognition Day Sept.14. Reflect upon their plight and include them and their families in your prayers. Encourage others to continue to honor these great Americans at military ceremonies. Embrace their example of steadfastness of purpose and never rest until all are found and identified.

Our commander-in-chief stated during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, “We must remember a special group of veterans, Americans still missing and unaccounted for from Vietnam, Korea, the Cold War and World War II. We honor them today. They deserve and will have our best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting and, alive or dead, to return them home to America.” That is part of our mission as military members.

As we have often heard in military ceremonies, “A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate.” Each year on this special day, we have the opportunity to reflect on that bitter fate and honor our POWs and MIAs. It is the least we can do for them, considering all they have done for us.