Installation members observe POW/MIA Recognition Day Published Sept. 20, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Members from Nellis, Creech, and the Nevada Test and Training Range held a ceremony in honor of the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day Sept. 16, 2011, at Freedom Park on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Service members, retired military, family members and distinguished visitors joined Brig. Gen. David Buck, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center vice commander, to recognize individuals deemed prisoners of war or missing in action for the sacrifices they have made for their country. "We take for granted the lifestyle we have in America," Buck said. "On behalf of a faithful family, we thank each of you who have sacrificed so much for your country." The event began with the memorial wreath dedication. Mr. Carroll Knutson, representing the European theater of World War II, Mr. Jack Leaming, representing the Pacific theater of World War II, and Mr. Gene Ramos, representing the Korean War, joined the Nellis Honor Guard and Buck to escort the ceremonial wreath to its final position at the entrance of Freedom Park. Each of them bowed their heads in prayer to remember fallen and missing service members. "There is an unimaginable hardship for those missing in action," Buck said. "We are here today to unite and vow in our hearts to remember: remember who fought for the freedoms we hold so dear and pray for those in today's operations." Mr. Bill Burger played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes while members of various units across the installation read the names of service members missing in action from Nevada and those who were stationed at Nellis. For every name mentioned during the ceremony, members from the Rancho High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps placed a daisy on the memorial wreath, symbolizing the hope for each member's return home. "These service members and their families have paid a high price for serving our country and protecting our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy," said 1st Lt. Brian Saari, 547th Intelligence Squadron adversary air defense analyst and ceremony narrator. "They are true heroes in our eyes and in the eyes of the American people." Once all of the names were read, the Honor Guard preformed a 21-gun salute while Burger played the Antonin Dvorak version of the hymn, "Going Home." Following the salute, two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 64th Aggressor Squadron performed a missing man flyover to close the ceremony. Every year, on the third Friday of September, the President signs a proclamation for the national observance of POW/MIA Recognition Day. During this day, Americans across the United States pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war, as well as those who are missing in action, and their families. Military installations, memorials and museums also fly the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the United States' resolve to never forget POWs or those who served their country in conflicts and are still missing.
