What is POW/MIA Recognition Day?

The+POW%2FMIA+flag+which+commercial+artist+Newt+Heisley+designed+after+his+son+who+was+medically+discharged+from+the+military.

The POW/MIA flag which commercial artist Newt Heisley designed after his son who was medically discharged from the military.

The U.S. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families.

Are today’s young people being educated about this day? Why is it important to remember?

Some students, like sophomore Camry Young, have never been taught about POW/MIA Recognition Day, but are interested in learning more.

“I honestly have never learned anything about this topic, so it’s not something that really stands out to me, but I do feel like it’s an important topic,” Young said.

Sophomore Caden Riat and junior Levi Hickert agree that the school should do more to educate students on all national holidays.

“It’s very important for students, and anyone in the U.S. for that matter, to be aware of this day,” Riat said. “We need to stand for our heroes and anyone in the military.”

Hickert also said that we as a people should know what war truly costs us.

“The only way to fix the horrible divisiveness we have today is to train the citizens of tomorrow,” Hickert said. “If the future generation is taught about national holidays and trained from a young age to respect those days, they’ll have something that they can unite on: being American.”

Former VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Florence Wear feels it is important that our young people know the sacrifices our men and women have gone through to keep us safe.

While she was president, Wear honored POW/MIA Recognition Day by setting up POW/MIA tables in restaurants in Hays. Everything on the table, as well as the table itself, is a commemoration to our country and those who have fought and are fighting for it.

The small table symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner against his oppressors, and is round to show that our concern for them is never ending.

The white tablecloth draped over the table represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms.

The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God.

The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends.

The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones. The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.

The candle symbolizes the everlasting flame of hope for a joyous reunion with those yet to be accounted for.

The slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt upon the plate represents the tears of their families as they wait.

The wine glass, turned upside down, reminds us that they cannot toast with us tonight.

The chair is empty. They are not here.

Wear convinced Principal Martin Straub to fly the POW flag today to honor our troops that are unaccounted for.

“We must remember those who still hope that their family members will be found and brought home for a proper burial,” Wear said. “May they rest in peace.”

21cleiker@usd489.com