POW/MIA Recognition Day Held at State Capitol

The second annual POW/MIA recognition day was held Friday at the State Capitol. Hosted by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, the noontime ceremony on the south steps featured Major General Daniel James III, speaking on why it is so essential to have each American killed in action identified and returned to his or her family.

Senator Jerry Patterson hosted the days events, welcoming veterans, former POWs, and the families of MIAs to the Capitol. The posting of the colors and POW/MIA flags was done by the Travis County Veterans of Foreign Wars Council Honor Guard, along with Tejanos in Action, represented by Willie Dougherty and Arturo Puentes.

The POW/MIA flag flew over the state capitol for this years event. This follows an outpouring of public opinion that the flag should be flown each year on POW/MIA Recognition Day for the ceremony.

Sue W. Sullivan spoke, recognizing the former POW and MIA families. The Twenty-One Gun Salute was performed by the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines (USMC Reserve), Pledge of Allegiance by fifth grader Lamar Klauss, from Spicewood Elementary School, and Taps was performed by Auturo Archie Montemayor III. Music was performed by Captain John R. Bohlin, Texas Army National Guard, invocation by Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr., Chief Chaplain Services, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System and the benediction by LTC Samuel Bier, USAF retired, ex-prisoner of war.

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