LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Since the first POW/MIA commemoration July 18, 1979, Airmen have shed tears and donated time in memory of prisoners of war and those missing in action; and this year was no exception.
During this year's ceremony, which took place Sept. 21 at Memorial Park, the 1st Fighter Wing unveiled the plans for the Langley Air Force Base POW/MIA Memorial.
Prior to the unveiling, Chief Master Sgt. James MacKinley, 1st FW command chief, acknowledged the sacrifices of POWs and MIAs, including 15 veterans from Hampton Roads.
"It is my honor to welcome the American heroes and their families to the ceremony," said Chief MacKinley. "They are heroes who truly represent the colors of the flag of the United States of America."
During the service, the attendees paused not only to pay respect to those who have not returned, but also to those extraordinary patriots who endured hardships to defend liberty.
"To the men and women of Langley, the POWs still with us today have paved the way for our freedoms and freedoms around the world," said Col. Jeffery Harrigian, 1st FW vice commander. "Their great sacrifices should never be forgotten; let their service inspire you to new heights."
Toward the end of the ceremony, the plans for the POW/MIA memorial were revealed.
"The monument is amazing ... it's an honor," said Wayne Porter, a former POW during World War II and Adjutant of the James L. Hale Memorial Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization.
The memorial's design was selected from several entries as part of a basewide design contest and will be donated by the Air Force Sergeant's Association Chapter 358.
The memorial designers include, Master Sgts. Michael Ream, Gary Mrosko and Kevin Prillman along with Tech. Sgts. Michael Blair and Noel Cole from the 1st Maintenance Group.
"The 1st Fighter Wing is greatly indebted to these Airmen's commitment to the fallen," said Chief MacKinley.
To date, there are still 78,000 servicemembers unaccounted for from World War; II, 8,100 from the Korean War and more than 1,800 unaccounted from the Vietnam War.
Fourteen aircrews are still missing from the Cold War Era and one still unaccounted for from the Gulf War. Currently, there are four U.S. servicemembers unaccounted for in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"In the words of President George W. Bush, 'Today, we should all take inspiration from their [POW/MIAs] valor and loyalty and [we] will not rest until we have accounted for them all,'" Colonel Harrigian said.