[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4830-S4831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   POW/MIA MEMORIAL FLAG ACT OF 2001

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, as we approach Memorial Day I would like 
to begin my statement today describing a powerful and emotional sight 
that moves up to the core of our faith and beliefs about America and 
about those who served in the Armed Forces of our Nation.
  Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that 
train America's future military leaders. These academies have varied 
missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing 
leaders for their particular branch of service. On the grounds of each 
academy is a chapel, spectacular places that are easily identifiable as 
places of worship.
  In each chapel, a place has been reserved for those Prisoners of War 
and the Missing in Action from each particular service. A pew has been 
set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful symbol that not all have 
returned from battle. These hallowed places have been set aside so that 
all POW's and MIA's are remembered with dignity and honor. It is a 
moving and emotional experience to pause at these reserved pews, to be 
encouraged by the burning candle, to recall the valor and sacrifice of 
those soldiers, sailors, marines, and pilots and to be inspired today 
by what they have done.
  Yet, I believe we can and should do more to honor the memory of all 
the POW's and MIA's who have so gallanty served our nation.
  On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed P.L. 101-355 which 
officially recognized the POW/MIA flag. Displaying this flag is a 
powerful symbol to all Americans that we have not forgotten, and will 
not forget.
  Last September, I introduced S. 1226, the ``POW/MIA Memorial Flag Act 
of 2001.'' This act would require the display of the POW/MIA flag at 
the World

[[Page S4831]]

War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial, on any day on which the United States flag is 
displayed.
  As my colleagues well know, the United States has fought in mnay 
wars, and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured 
by the enemy or listed as missing in action. In the 20th century alone, 
more than 147,000 Americans were captured and became prisoners of war; 
of that number more than 15,000 died while in captivity. When we add to 
the number those who are still missing in action, we realize that more 
can be done to honor their commitment to duty, honor, and country.
  The display of the POW/MIA flag would be a forceful reminder that we 
care not only for them, but also for their families who personally 
carry with them the burden of sacrifice. We want them to know that they 
do not stand alone, that we stand with them and beside them, as they 
remember the loyalty and devotion of those who served.
  As a veteran who served in Korea, I personally know that the 
remembrance of another's sacrifice in battle is one of the highest and 
most noble acts we can do. Let us now demonstrate our indebtedness and 
gratitude for those who served that we might live in freedom.
  Just as those special reserved pews in the chapels of the military 
academies recall the spirit and presence of our POW's and MIA's, so too 
will the display of their flag over the World War II Memorial, the 
Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial be a 
special reminder that we have not forgotten, and will not forget.
  I invite my Senate colleagues to please join me in passing this 
important bill S. 1226, to ensure our POW/MIAs are not forgotten.

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