POWs, missing heroes show true meaning of patriotism

  • Published
  • By Gen. Hal M. Hornburg
  • Air Combat Command commander
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  Friday, Sept. 20, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a time for us to pay special tribute to all Americans who were taken prisoner of war or are missing in action.

On that day we reaffirm our commitment to those still missing and renew our pledge to make every effort to obtain the answers to their fate. We can do no less for these American heroes and their families. We owe these men and women a debt of our most sincere gratitude. We have an obligation to remember their courage, their determination and their valiant patriotism. By their actions, they showed us the true meaning of dedication to duty and self-sacrifice.

But remembrance alone is not enough. It is our sacred duty to honor and uphold the principles they fought to maintain -- those principles that define our way of life. We can never repay the debt we owe history's brave men and women; but we can, and must, continue to honor their memories and their families for the tremendous sacrifices they've made for this nation.

Our nation relies on us to defend its liberty. We are powerful and we are prepared. We will never let this great nation be intimidated. The cost of freedom remains high; it's a price that has been paid in the blood of America's soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. Despite this staggering cost, however, we must persevere to forever ensure the sacrifices made by these noble men and women were not in vain.

On every day, I encourage you to remember and honor our POWs and our fellow warriors who are still unaccounted for. They deserve our deepest reverence and thanks for all they have sacrificed for this country and for our freedom. (Courtesy of ACC News Service)