[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1799-E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       POW-MIA COMMEMORATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. VIC FAZIO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, our Nation will commemorate the 
thousands of American men and women who were lost in action or who 
experienced the brutality of being a prisoner of war. For every war 
that America has engaged in since its formation 221 years ago, these 
men and women fought to protect America's democratic principles and to 
ensure that future generations could enjoy these freedoms.
  Our country joins the American families around the world whose sons 
and daughters, fathers, mothers, and spouses were lost in action or 
suffered brutality as a prisoner of war in mourning and bittersweet 
celebration. We grieve for the soldiers whose lives were lost. Our only 
consolation is that their families finally find a level of peace by 
knowing the fate of their loved ones. America can join them in putting 
closure to the restless years of uncertainty regarding the destiny of 
these men and women. Together we can find comfort in each other and 
begin to heal our painful wounds.
  Today, Americans around the world also join in rejoicing for those 
courageous men and women who have returned to us alive and are reunited 
with their families. We welcome them warmly. Although there are no 
words that can adequately express our deepest and sincerest gratitude, 
please know that your sacrifices and those of your families were not in 
vain. To these soldiers, we thank you. Your years of physical torture, 
hunger, psychological abuse, and forced labor will never be forgotten. 
America will never allow it to be forgotten.
  America continues to wait apprehensively for the soldiers whose fate 
is still unknown. We pray together that soon we will learn more on the 
status of these men and women. Please be assured that America will not 
rest until all of her sons and daughters are returned to her soil. We 
anxiously await news of them and hope for their safe return with open 
hearts and open doors.

[[Page E1800]]

  Families from my district have not gone unscathed by this tragedy. 
They suffer the pains of loss, and experience the anguish of 
uncertainty. William Charles Shinn from Woodland and Jerry M. Shriver 
from Sacramento are still unaccounted for. The status of the Hill 
family's father remains a mystery. We join in their families' anxiety 
of not knowing.
  Today, my community also celebrates for the men and women who have 
returned. Soldiers like Michael O'Conner who was flying a UH-1 
helicopter in February 1968, when he was shot down north of Hue. His 
three other crew members were killed. After evading capture for nearly 
2 days, he was captured and held in captivity for 5 years.
  Therefore, it is with this mix of sadness, joy, and apprehension, 
that our Nation's Capitol, the White House, the Department of State, 
Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the Selective System Headquarters, the 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and 
national cemeteries across the Nation will raise the flag of the 
National League of Families of American Prisoners of War and Missing in 
Southeast Asia. May this black and white banner serve as a somber 
reminder of all those lost; a rejoicing reminder of those returned; 
and, a flicker of hope for the men and women whom we await their 
homecoming.

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