Never Forgotten

Friday, September 18 is National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day across the United States. This national day of observance was created by the United States Congress, after the end of the Vietnam War to honor and remember the sacrifice made by those servicemen and women who were prisoners of war or went missing in action.

The POW/MIA Flag was officially adopted in 1990 by an act of Congress and is: “the symbol of our nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.” Nearly two thousand Americans from the Vietnam War remain missing to this very day.
Pennsylvania-native, Newton Heisley developed the flag in coordination with the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to develop the flag. The emblem contains a silhouette of a young soldier and states: “You Are Never Forgotten.”

It is important that we honor these brave members of our Armed Forces all year and not only on the third Friday in September. The foundation of our nation rests on the shoulders of those who have fought and continue to fight to protect it. The rights and freedoms that we enjoy, often without realizing it, we owe to them.

There may never be words suitable enough to demonstrate the value and appreciation to members of our Armed Forces and the shared sacrifices of their family members, but I would simply like to say: “Thank you.” Each day we should reflect on the sacrifices made by others and I hope you will join me in continuing to thank our veterans, soldiers, sailors and airmen and remember those who did not return from war.

By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz)

Representative Steven Mentzer
97th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Eric Reath
717.260.6187
ereath@pahousegop.com
RepMentzer.com / Facebook.com/RepMentzer