(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)--New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Timothy Hale and Kirtland Air Force Base Acting Commander Colonel David Hornyak were the Keynote Speakers for the 2011 National POW & MIA Recognition Day Ceremony in New Mexico on September 16th.
The annual ceremony was at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial and is observed in conjunction with similar ceremonies nationwide on the third Friday in September as designated by Congress as an annual Day of Observance to honor America’s former Prisoners of War--and to remember those who are still unaccounted for and listed as Missing in Action (MIA).
Secretary Hale praised the former POW’s from World War II, Korea and Vietnam who were in attendance for their bravery and strength—both physical and mental—which allowed them to survive their captivity.
“These extraordinary traits allowed these men to endure some of the most brutal conditions known to mankind, at the hand of an enemy intent on punishing not only them but also our country,” said Secretary Hale in his address. “They are truly heroes for what they went through.”
Secretary Hale also paid tribute to family members present who were representing soldiers still listed as MIA.
“We must never forget those who are still waiting to come home,” said the secretary. “We as a country must not rest until we get a full accounting of our missing heroes, and let them and their families know that they will not be forgotten and left behind.”
Since World War I, more than 142,000 Americans were imprisoned as POW’s. Nearly a fifth of are still living. And according to the Department of Defense (DoD), 91,955 Americans are currently listed as still Missing in Action.
Secretary Hale addressing the crowd at the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial in Albuquerque on POW & MIA Recognition Day on September 16.
A group of former World War II Prisoners of War stand to be recognized during the ceremony.
Secretary Hale looks towards the ceremonial “Empty Dinner Table” when he pays tribute to those still classified as “Missing in Action.”
91-year old former WWII Prisoner of War Joseph Greigo is greeted after the ceremony.