Captain’s Column

The loss of a loved one is a tragic event. For military members, while it is understood that in times of conflict casualties will occur and lives will be lost, no preparation can prepare for the actual loss.

Families that have endured the death of a service member, often find that time will heal the sorrow. For families that have suffered through the notification that their loved one is missing or is a prisoner of war, there is no closure.

The sorrow continues day after day.

In show of support, and as a promise to keep the faith, on a daily basis we fly the National League of Families’POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation’s commitment to those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. The flag bears the motto “You Are Not Forgotten,” a motto honoring those American prisoners of war and those missing in action who have gone beyond courage and duty.

We pause to remember the more than 83,000 military personnel who are still unaccounted for since World War II. We think about those surviving family members who never receive closure after the disappearance of a loved one.

These service members are everyday people who answered the call to serve their country and were placed in extraordinary circumstances. And, their stories are inspiring, such as the story of Wayne A. Johnson.

During the Korean War, in October 1950, a North Korean Army major referred to as “the Tiger” took command of more than 700 American service men who had been captured and interred as POWs. In August 1953, following the signing of the armistice, only 262 of these men returned home.

One of the “Tiger Survivors,” Army Private First Class Wayne A. “Johnnie” Johnson, risked his life during his imprisonment by secretly recording the names of 496 fellow prisoners who had died during their captivity.

Private Johnson’s painstakingly written record was a major contribution to the knowledge of those who did not return from the North Korean prison system and has helped to determine or confirm the fate of many POWs. Johnson’s list can be found online and lists the name, rank, unit assigned, date of death (if known) and hometown of those prisoners who died during the interment.

Because of his efforts, the family members have closure. The POWs who have come home keep their memories alive and are a legacy of service members exemplifying an enduring will and hope.

There are countless stories of former POWs and what they endured and there are others who don’t talk about what they endured. No matter, all are brave and courageous individuals who we pause to remember.

POW/MIA Remembrance Day is held each year on the third Friday in September, this year falling on Sept. 21. Military families and service men and women, across the United States, will pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW), or who are missing in action (MIA), and will pledge to continue to offer support to their families.