JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
On Sept. 18, 2015, unambiguous black and white flags will be flown across the United States in remembrance of the nation's Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
In keeping with this theme, Joint Base Langley-Eustis personnel will host a series of events in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Sept. 17-18.
"As our Armed Forces defend our homeland from new threats in a changing world, we remain committed to a profound obligation that dates back to the earliest days of our founding -- the United States does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind," President Barack Obama stated in the 2014 National POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. "On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we express the solemn promise of a country and its people to our Service members who have not returned home and their families: you are not forgotten."
This year marks the 17th anniversary of the day and the installation's fifth annual recognition days of events.
The following is a list of events to be held Sept. 17-18:
Sept. 17
· The JBLE POW/MIA Opening Ceremony held at Shellbank Fitness Center at 9:45 a.m.
· A 24-hour Run/Walk around Langley Air Force Base will follow the Opening Ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m.
Sept. 18
· The JBLE POW/MIA Closing Ceremony held at Memorial Grove Park, located across Nealy Avenue from USAF Hospital Langley, will follow the 24-hour Run/Walk at 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will feature U.S. Air Force retired lieutenant general Glen Moorhead, III, as the guest speaker. The inclement weather alternate location is the Base Theater.
For more information about JBLE POW/MIA Recognition Day events, contact Master Sgt. Afryea Clark at 225-9220, or Tech. Sgt. Hollie Porter at 225-5491.