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POW/MIA day ceremony held at Poncitlan Square

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POW.MIA Day Palmdale 2014 1PALMDALE – Palmdale joined cities across the country Friday in recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of prisoners of war, those still missing in action and their families.

Titled “You Are Not Forgotten,” the Palmdale ceremony was held at 11 a.m. at Poncitlán Square and drew about 30 attendees.

“Every year, on this day, we’re here doing this, and that’s walking the talk,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.
“Every year, on this day, we’re here doing this, and that’s walking the talk,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.

“Imagine if you had a family member that was still missing in action, or a POW somewhere in the world,” Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford told the gathering. “I can’t imagine having to live with that reality, and that’s why we need to walk the talk… to step up as a community, collectively, and say, ‘we’re here to support you, and we understand your challenge.’”

More than 83,000 Americans are missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War, according to the Department of Defense.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, and it’s a time to pay tribute to those men and women and to highlight the government’s commitment to finding them and bringing them home.

Sights from the local POW/MIA ceremony

The master of ceremonies was Bobby Breech, Chairman of Antelope Valley Service Organization Association.
The master of ceremonies was Bobby Breech, Chairman of Antelope Valley Service Organization Association.
“Lord, these are our heroes and patriots… most importantly, they have families that miss and love and need them, God,” said John E. A. Clark in giving the Invocation. “Let us now remember and honor these brave Americans.”
“Lord, these are our heroes and patriots… most importantly, they have families that miss and love and need them, God,” said John E. A. Clark in giving the Invocation. “Let us now remember and honor these brave Americans.”
The Posting of Colors was conducted by the Highland High School Air Force JROTC.
The Posting of Colors was conducted by the Highland High School Air Force JROTC.
Highland High School Air Force JROTC also conducted the Table of Honor ceremony.
Highland High School Air Force JROTC also conducted the Table of Honor ceremony.
The event included a special recognition to the veterans in attendance, as well as a moment of silence for those still missing in action.
The event included a special recognition to the veterans in attendance, as well as a moment of silence for those still missing in action.
“To the ones who are missing in action, we extend our hearts and love to their families and continue to pray for their safe return,” said Antelope Valley Veterans Community Action Coalition board member Juan Blanco.
“To the ones who are missing in action, we extend our hearts and love to their families and continue to pray for their safe return,” said Antelope Valley Veterans Community Action Coalition board member Juan Blanco.

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POW/MIA Recognition… by the Dept. of Defense

Filed Under: Palmdale