Nellis POW/MIA ceremony: Never forgotten Published Sept. 25, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Oleksandra G. Manko Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A ceremony dedicated to prisoners of war and those missing in action took place at the base theater Sept. 21. Approximately 400 ex-prisoners of war, their family members and other visitors were present at the event, which included placement of a memorial wreath, a speech by Maj. Gen. Michael Worden, commander of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, and a 21-gun salute. Accompanied by the sounds of "Amazing Grace," Rancho High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets placed daisies on the wreath for the deceased prisoners of war or military member missing in action, representing the hope the United States holds dear. "You know best how important freedom is, as you had to live without it," said General Worden 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 Worden. "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. God bless our POWs and MIAs, whether they are still with us here on earth, or waiting for us in the next life. God bless their families and may God bless America." The ceremony concluded with an outdoor 21-gun salute followed and a rendition of "God Bless America," by Staff Sgt. Jason Gilbert from the 57th Maintenance Group. A short memorial service and a reception took place in the Enlisted Club immediately after the ceremony.
