'We Will Always Remember'

During the POW MIA National Day of Remembrance, veterans celebrated the lives and sacrifices of men and women who served and continue to serve in the military but have not yet returned home. The event was at the Veterans Memorial walk in O’Fallon Friday.

Master of ceremonies Michael Klingler began the festivities by ordering the posting of the colors by members of the VVA 458, followed by members of the AMVETS Juniors Post 106 reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The O’Fallon community band, directed by Gene Garza, provided music for the evening and Jamie Hitt sang the national anthem and "God Bless America."

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Post 458 chaplain, Bob Blake, gave the invocation and Mayor Bill Hennessy welcomed the crowd.

“We will never forget the men and women listed as POW MIA,” Hennessy said.

The keynote speaker, Sgt. 1st Class John Hayes of the Missouri National Guard said veterans have a responsibility to promote an understanding in the community of the sacrifices that have been made by those that are listed as POW MIA.

“We must carry forward the memory of the soldiers that have yet to return home," Hayes said.

“We must promote an understanding of the warrior ethos, that as soldiers we place the mission first, we never accept defeat, we never quit and we will never leave a fallen comrade behind,” he said.

As the flames lit candles flickered in the dusk, a wreath was laid at the memorial, taps were played by veteran Jerry Bradley, and a rifle salute was performed by AMVETS Post 106.

Butch Whitworth, Les Berkel, Larry Williams and others helped to coordinate the event. This was the 10th year that the Vietnam Veterans Post 458 has sponsored the National Day of Remembrance celebration.