Birmingham VA Observes POW/MIA Recognition Day, Unveils new permanent display
By Birmingham VA Health Care System, Public Affairs Office
The Birmingham VA Health Care System observed National POW/MIA Recognition Day on September 19.
This year’s observance was made even more meaningful by the unveiling of a new display recently completed on the ground floor of the Birmingham VA’s main facility. Thanks to a generous donation from the Kelly Ingram VFW Post 668, who presented the health care system with a complete Missing Man Table set, and the skilled craftsmanship of VA’s engineering team, a new permanent display was dedicated September 19.
The museum-quality display will forever honor all Prisoners of War and America’s Missing in Action—those who have not returned home.
“This [Missing Man Table] display is a permanent reminder to the thousands of Veterans, visitors, and employees who enter this facility each year that freedom comes with a cost,” said Dr. Cynthia Cleveland, Acting Medical Center Director. “We should never forget those who were held prisoner of war and those who have not returned home.”
“As a Veteran and commander of the Kelly Ingram VFW, I am extremely honored that my VA will have this display permanently,” said Preston Hard, commander Kelly Ingram VFW Post 668. “This display ensures we never forget all those Americans who were Prisoners of War and are Missing in Action.”
A Missing Man Table contains specific items symbolizing the sacrifice of POW/MIAs and serves as a powerful symbol of military culture and tradition. Find out more about the significance of the Missing Man Table at this link.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979, and it is recognized on the third Friday in September.
More than 73,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and other conflicts. Since the miracle of DNA technology, more and more missing Americans are being identified.