VietNow National Magazine

The Message Once Was: 'Pow/MIA: You Are Not Forgotten.'
Is that still true today? Look around and see for yourself.

By Rich Sanders – VietNow National President

How Things Have Changed

The skyline was dotted with numerous POW/MIA flags as they rose above the mass of veterans who had gathered in the forefront of The Wall for the Veterans Day ceremony. The words, “Bring ’em home!” rang out periodically from the crowd as the esteemed speakers orated from the elevated stage. As the above three words were verbally bellowed, clenched fists with POW/ MIA bracelets dangling below them were raised skyward. This was more of a show for any media that may have been present than it was for the speakers.

A great deal of enthusiastic energy in the audience had been generated by the recently released “tell all” book that had finally spilled the truth about the POW/MIA issue for the world to see. Now, the facts about the POW/MIAs were in print and well documented. Finally, the proof was indisputable.

The various groups of people who gathered at The Wall over the Veterans Day weekend were very highly charged with the thought of a potential presidential candidate that had a proven track record with attempting to resolve the POW/MIA issue and bring our buddies home. Maybe the words, “Bring ’em home!” would become a reality with his success.

Unfortunately, the above description is not about Veterans Day 2007, where the only POW/MIA flag to be seen was an occasional obligatory one that was included in a veteran color guard unit. POW/MIA bracelets were sparsely visible. The book was not Billy Hendon’s book, An Enormous Crime. The description above was the temperament of the veterans in attendance for the activities of Veterans Day 1990. The book was Kiss the Boys Goodbye, and the buzz about the potential of getting Ross Perot on a ballot for president was the hope for the POW/MIA issue.
How did we get from that past enthusiasm to today’s lackadaisical attitude? Yes – lackadaisical!

Count the number of POW/MIA flags in the parade that was a part of the 25th Anniversary of The Wall. One hand is all you will need for an accurate count. Go to any veterans’ event and look for POW/MIA bracelets. Pick up a veteran’s magazine and try to find something concerning the POW/MIA issue that is not a retail item for sale.

How long has the media been putting the term MIA/POW in front of us or just shortening the term to MIAs or missing? As subtle as it may seem, they have done their job. Their accomplishment is noted when the commander of a veterans organization inquires about obtaining an MIA flag. They do not manufacture MIA flags. They have served their purpose when the chaplain of a veterans organization asks the Lord to watch over our MIAs. It is our POWs who need to be watched over.

The public’s perception of the POW/MIA issue is simply historical in nature. Any type of activist function or activity is viewed as being for memorial purposes. A group recently displayed a POW/MIA Christmas over the holidays. The message they were attempting to deliver centered on the emotions of a POW/MIA family during the season of joy. A response that was fielded during that event was, “Oh, how nice!” which was said with the same tone as someone remembering a deceased person.

A similar response in 1990 might have been, “How sad. Those poor people! How can I help?”

The reality is that the efforts to make the POW/MIA issue a historical event have been thwarted. Sadly, it is now a current event. We now have five POW/MIAs from our military involvement in Iraq: Michael Speicher (1/17/91), Keith Maupin (4/9/04), Ahmed Altaie (10/23/06), Alex Jimenez (5/12/07), and Byron Fouty (5/12/07). Imagine an, “Oh, how nice!” to this fact. Most of the public is probably unaware that these men are waiting for their country to get them home. How long will it take us to, “Bring ’em home”?

Byron Fouty’s step-dad, Gordon Dibler, recently addressed a group of people at a POW/MIA awareness gathering. His goal was to energize people in order to keep the POW/MIA issue in the forefront until Byron comes home. When he was asked how long he would continue with this mission, he quickly answered, “As long as it takes.”

Does anyone remember also using those words – “As long as it takes?” It is time to put the bracelets back on, lift the POW/MIA flags high, and resonate the words – “Bring ’em home! Bring ’em all home!”

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