SUITLAND, Md. –
Commemorating the 32nd anniversary of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, members of the Air Force Sergeants Association's Chapter 102 participated in a 24-hour POW/MIA Vigil Run Sept. 20, 2012, and POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 21, 2012.
Held at the East Fitness Center's outdoor track, the vigil run involved more than 200 civilian and military members from around Andrews, each having the opportunity to carry the POW/MIA Flag around the track for their portion of its journey. Held the next day, the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony marked the end of the vigil run and the final destination point for the POW/MIA Flag.
Senior Master Sgt. Demetrica Jefferis, AFSA Chapter 102 member and vigil-run organizer, was honored to participate in the each event and felt her role as the vigil run organizer helped all those involved remember the true meaning behind their willingness to volunteer.
"I'm always searching to be a part of something greater than myself," said Jefferis. "I'd never heard of a POW/MIA Vigil Run and thought it would be a privilege to help orchestrate this event. Awareness of POW/MIA Day is something that needs to be spread to every American so we never forget the POWs and MIAs who fought to protect this country."
Maj. Gen. Sharon K.G. Dunbar, Air Force District of Washington commander, presided over the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony and opened the event by reiterating Jefferis' thoughts on the importance of never forgetting those Americans who are currently missing or held prisoner.
"It's a testament to our society that we choose to remember, that we want to remember, those who serve and certainly those who are MIA and are imprisoned," said Dunbar. "As the years and decades pass, the hope of them coming home alive may diminish, but, we still remember them."
Col. (Ret.) Norman McDaniel was the event's guest speaker.
In 1966, McDaniel, a former Air Force electronic warfare officer, was shot down over North Vietnam and taken as a POW. In 1973, McDaniel was finally released from captivity and returned home to American soil.
Briefly recounting his experiences as a POW, McDaniel urged those in attendance to be thankful for the freedoms they enjoy and to forever be mindful of how those freedoms were obtained in the first place.
"As a POW, I drew strength from fellow POWs, fellow Americans, my family, and the ideals and principles for which this nation was founded," said McDaniel. "On behalf of my fellow ex-POWs and those that have served in the past, we appreciate what our fellow Americans have done to support us. In order to live through being a POW, you need to feel sincerely that your sacrifices and what you gave was worth it and was appreciated."
Ending his remarks, McDaniel offered a challenge to everyone in attendance to continue to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifices in the name of the American freedom.
"Those of us that were held, a lot of our strength came from knowing and believing that our fellow American had not forgotten us, that they were still working for our release and for our return to our families," said McDaniel. "And I'm sure, that if there are American men and women held by the enemy alive today, a lot of their strength is coming from them feeling and knowing in their hearts that we, here, have not forgotten them."