Sept. 19 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. As we drive around Millstone and surrounding communities, we see yellow ribbons adorning (many) houses and yards. As we know, the yellow ribbons have come to represent a family’s waiting for the safe return of their loved ones serving in the U.S. military.

The POW/MIA flag was created by the National League of Families in 1971, as a symbol of families’ resolve to learn the fate of loved ones who were listed as prisoner of war or missing in action from the Vietnam War. Just as the yellow ribbon has become a symbol of a family’s support for young men and women serving in the military today, the POW/MIA flag has become a powerful symbol of our nation’s resolve to account for soldiers missing from all wars and to bring them home. The U.S. government and military have officially recognized the POW/MIA flag as a symbol of their commitment to the families of military personnel, and to the soldiers themselves that they will not be forgotten or left behind in a conflict. 

To commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2003, in addition to school lesson programs teaching about the POW/MIA flag, the Veterans of The Vietnam War Inc., Millstone- Jackson Post No. 3 proposed a resolution to the Millstone Township Committee which reads in part:

"Whereas, the United States has fought in many wars, and Americans who served in those wars were captured by the enemy or listed as missing in action;

"Whereas, over 10,000 Americans are still listed as missing and unaccounted for, and the uncertainty surrounding their fates has caused their families to suffer continuing hardships;

"Whereas, as a symbol of our nation’s commitment to accounting as fully as possible for all Americans still held prisoner, missing or unaccounted for by reason of their service in the Armed Forces of The United States, and to honor the Americans who in future wars may be captured or listed as missing or unaccounted for, Congress has officially recognized the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag, by enacting Public Law 101-355;

"And, the POW/MIA flag is on permanent display in the Capital Rotunda pursuant to concurrent Senate and Congressional resolutions;

"Whereas, the Township of Millstone would like to honor the sacrifices of Americans listed as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action and recognize, too, the sacrifices made by their families who wait at home;

"Whereas, the Township of Millstone would like to show its appreciation and commitment to supporting the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces of The United States, and especially those who are residents of our community;

"Whereas, the Township of Millstone voluntarily displays the POW/MIA flag in front of its municipal building;

"Whereas, over 1,500 American communities have adopted resolutions to display the POW/MIA Flag 24 hours a day;

"Now therefore be it resolved:

1. The Township of Millstone will make displaying the POW/MIA flag a permanent symbol of its commitment and honor to American military veterans, by displaying the POW/MIA flag in front of its municipal building, 24 hours a day and whenever the American flag is displayed,

2. The governing body of Millstone Township encourages its municipal department areas, municipal owned recreational areas, emergency services departments, and schools to display the POW/MIA flag whenever the American flag is displayed.

"This resolution shall be put into effect immediately. Permanent display of the POW/MIA flag shall commence upon a POW/MIA flag being donated to the Township. Display of the POW/MIA flag inside of the municipal building public chamber shall commence upon the business manager’s procurement of a flag staff for the proper display of the POW/MIA flag."

The wording of the resolution sends a powerful message of our community’s patriotism, our nation’s commitment to the families of MIAs, and our united support for the men and women who serve in the military. Please take a moment this Friday, Sept. 19, to stand and stare at the POW/MIA flag, and reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy today and the great sacrifices made by so many veterans and their families.

Richard D. Brody is commander of the Veterans of The Vietnam War for New Jersey Post No. 3 and lives in Millstone.