[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18299]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I wish to say a few words today 
about the significance of observing September 14, 2004 as National POW/
MIA Recognition Day, which honors the memory of the POWs and MIAs who 
have served in our Nation's wars.
  As my colleagues know, the United States has fought in numerous wars 
and thousands of Americans who served in those wars were captured by 
the enemy or listed as missing in action. In 20th Century wars 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 
this number those who are still missing in action, we realize that we 
cannot do enough to remember their service.
  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 perform. Remembering demonstrates our 
indebtedness and gratitude for those who served that we might live in 
freedom.
  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 POWs and MIAs 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 POWs and MIAs who have so gallantly served our Nation.
  The display of the POW/MIA flag is 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.
  Mr. President, I believe that those who have been captured or are 
missing in action in the Nation's wars deserve to be honored with 
dignity and devotion. So today I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring these Americans and their families by remembering their 
sacrifice and declaring that it will never be forgotten.

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