[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OBSERVING POW/MIA DAY

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize National POW/MIA 
Recognition Day. As we acknowledge the important role of American 
servicemembers and veterans, we must keep at the forefront of our 
thoughts and prayers the safe return of those who have gone missing in 
action or are prisoners of war. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which 
is observed the third Friday of September, provides a time to honor 
prisoners of war, POW, and those who became missing in action, MIA.
  As the brave men and women who serve our Nation commit themselves to 
protecting America and our freedoms, our Nation must be resolute in 
bringing them home should they go missing or be taken prisoner when 
serving our Nation in a time of war. Standing by our servicemembers 
includes utilizing every reasonable means of bringing them home.
  POW/MIA families and veterans have remained committed to keeping the 
pursuit of facts at the forefront in the years since the Vietnam war. 
This effort and the perseverance of the POW/MIA families have been 
instrumental in accounting for missing military and civilian personnel 
from not only the Vietnam war but also World War II, the Korean war and 
the Cold War. Finding resolution for the families must remain a central 
focus as America has since engaged in subsequent wars to halt 
terrorism.
  On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor those Americans who 
have thankfully returned home, the families and loved ones who stood by 
awaiting their return, and we remain committed to finding answers for 
the families who continue to await the return of their missing and 
unaccounted-for loved ones. Each day, as we see the reminder of those 
Americans and their families through the POW/MIA flags that are posted 
at many places across our Nation, including the Halls of Congress, 
military sites, war memorials, national cemeteries, and U.S. postal 
service offices, let us not lose sight of this enduring commitment to 
accounting for those missing.
  I look forward to the day when we can welcome all our servicemembers 
home. Thank you to the many servicemembers and their families for all 
they have done and continue to do for our country and to all those who 
work to ensure their return home.

                          ____________________