Nellis remembers fallen during POW/MIA ceremony Published Sept. 24, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Ryan Whitney Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis Air Force Base hosted a ceremony dedicated to prisoners of war and those missing in action at Freedom Park Sept. 19, 2008. Approximately 200 ex- POW's, family members, guests and military people were present at the event, which included placement of a memorial wreath, a speech by Brig. Gen. Stephen Hoog, commander of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, a proclamation presented by Mr. Tim Tetz, exec. Director of Nev. Office of Veteran Affairs, officially recognizing Sept. 19 as POW/MIA Recognition day in the state of Nevada, and a 21-gun salute performed by the base honor guard. General Hoog also recited the names of Nevadans who are listed as being POW/MIA, a list more than 70 people long. "You know best how important freedom is, as you had to live without it," said General Hoog as he addressed the present ex-POWs. "Thank you and thanks to each of your family members here for all of their love and support throughout your years of service." "Today we must again unite and vow in our hearts that we will never forget our special comrades and their families, for they will always be part of our Air Force family," continued General Hoog. "At the same time we pray for those engaged in today's struggle to protect our freedom. May they retain theirs and come back to their families. We will never forget our special comrades and the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect our freedoms." The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Nellis Honor Guard. "It is your service that gives us the freedom that we enjoy today, and for that we are eternally greatful." The general ended. The ceremony was one of multiple events that Nellis hosted during Air Force Heritage week Sept. 15-19.
