Ceremony in Montgomery Commemorates National POW/MIA Recognition Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — A special ceremony Saturday at the Alabama State Capitol honored Alabama service members who were held as prisoners of war or remain missing in action, along with their families.
The event coincided with National POW/MIA Recognition Day and included the raising of the POW/MIA flag, a wreath-laying ceremony and the playing of taps with other patriotic music.
Retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Kenneth Paschal said sharing stories of sacrifice helps future generations understand the cost of freedom.
“We share our hero stories to help us ensure that the next generation understands the costs and the value of freedom because memories fade unless we work to preserve them,” Paschal said.
Linda Roloff, an instructor with the Department of Alabama VFW Auxiliary, said the annual event serves as a reminder that some service members have not yet returned home.
“This event happens every year because not all of our service members who left under the flag of this nation are home yet, and they should be,” Roloff said. “We need to continuously remind the people of our nation and our lawmakers that none of us should be resting until they are all home.”
Congress has mandated six days each year for the POW/MIA flag to be flown.
