No One Left Behind – National POW/MIA Recognition Day in the US.

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

POW/MIA Recognition Day is traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year.

This observance is one of six days throughout the year that the US Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

I'd like to share this tribute, written, played, and sung by super talented amateur music artist Amy Jo Ellis.



To all these military families... you're in my heart today.



Central Route Asst Coordinator "Catfish" holding the bio of Maj Bobby Jones he carried from LA to DC.. to the Wall.

[kensyanne]

Thank for the post, we must never forget those who are POW/MIA.

[Bekki]

/Salute.
Bows head.

[Bekki]

If I may I would like to pay tribute to some brave men and women who became POW's.


Brave Men and Women Like

Jon Caviani SSGT. US Army;
A Vietnam veteran who risked his safety to aid in the evacuation of his platoon during an Ambush in enemy territory. In a heavy fog he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to repel an enemy force of much superior size to allow his platoon to escape. He continued to fight on despite being wounded several times. For his gallantry he would be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Col. Don Cook USMC (Then Captain)

While he was a POW he allowed the Vietnamese enemy to believe he was the ranking POW officer, despite that not being true to protect his fellow POW’s despite the fact that this brought about much harsher treatment. He would repeated accept more his share of harsh punishment and even in a state of severe declining health he gave his medicine to more needy prisoners. He would do this at great risk to his health and even his life. For his steadfast devotion to duty and his fellow men he would be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Devotion to duty as we often state in our ceremonies on line for Memorial Day and Veterans Day is not limited to North America. Our Allies have had POW’s as well.

Men like Walter Peeler, W.O. 2 Royal Australian Army who served in WWI and WW2
He served with distinction in both wars earning Both the British Empire Medal and the Victoria Cross. But this devotion to duty would not come without a price. While serving in Java with the Dutch resistance he and his comrades would be captured by the Japanese.
He would endure 3 ½ years as a POW before he would make it back home to Australia in October of 1945.

Nor is it limited to Men.

During the Civil War Dr. Mary walker would be captured by the Confederate Army while crossing enemy lines to treat wounded on both sides of the battle; ironically she would be captured as a “Spy” just after she assisted a Confederate Officer in performing an amputation. She would be held as a POW in Richmond Va. From April 10th 1864 until August 12, 1864 when she would be released as part of a prisoner exchange.

A woman of indomitable spirit and dedication to duty, she would later be awarded the Medal of Honor.

These Brave men and women exemplified the best qualities of our men and women of the military who fight for freedom.
the selflessly put themselves in harms way so we don't have to. I salute each and every one of our men and women in uniform.
May all of our brave POW's and MIA's one day make it home .

I salute you.

Here is a POW/MIA Video LeslieWest and I made to salute POWs/MIAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st-uEwTALL8

Semper Fi.

[LeslieWest_GuitarGod]

Here is a POW/MIA Video LeslieWest and I made to salute POWs/MIAs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st-uEwTALL8

You really nailed it Bekki. I really enjoyed helping you make it.