09/23/2019- It was a somber morning of reflection Friday at Marinette’s City Hall and at similar events across the country honoring our nation’s prisoners of war and mission in action. Missing Man ceremonies are traditionally held annually on the third Friday in September and Mayor Steve Genisot spoke at the local ceremony, saying it’s important to stand behind those who remain unaccounted for and continue our efforts as a nation to bring them home.
“What can we do to pay tribute to the memory of these service members? Resolve never to forget them. Don’t allow their sacrifices to be forgotten. We owe these service members our eternal gratitude.”
Michael McGowan with the American Legion Post 39 says closure is an important part of the grieving process not available to many of the surviving loved ones of these POW/MIAs and their sacrifice should be honored, as well.
“For most military and veterans there’s another step to this closure: military honors rendered graveside and being covered by the flag they fought for, a flag presented to the next of kin, a rifle salute, and a bone-chilling playing of taps. Families of POWs and MIAs have not had this opportunity and deserve to have closure.”
To date, more than 83000 American service members are still missing from various wars dating back to World War II.