“Though they are not here…their sacrifice is not forgotten”
The National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony was held September 15, 2023, at the Indiana World War Memorial in Downtown Indianapolis.
This event is hosted by the Indianapolis POW/MIA Council. It is not a DAR event, but many Daughters participated in and supported the event, helping with organization, check-in, education, and photography. Regent Patti Moy serves on the Indianapolis POW/MIA Council.
Rolling Thunder, Indiana Chapter One escorted many of the families of POW/ MIA soldiers to the event. The 38th Infantry Division Band provided music during the event and a member of the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers played Amazing Grace. There were greetings from the offices of the Mayor and the Governor and then Honored Guest Commander Porter Halyburton, US Navy, Retired, who was a prisoner of war from October 17, 1965 until February 12, 1973, spoke how is POW experiences changed his outlook and his life.
Several wreaths were placed, and bells were rung for WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror soldiers. These wreaths were placed by representatives from Daughters of the American Revolution, Salvation Army, USS Indianapolis and Tuskegee Airman survivors, Gold Star Mothers, Korean War Veterans Association, Marine Corp League, National League of POW/MIA Families, American Legion, and VFW.
During one especially moving part of the Ceremony all former POW’s present, or the POW/MIA soldier’s family in attendance, received a yellow carnation as their soldier’s name was read aloud and they were recognized for their service. Samuel Bryan Regent Patti Moy presented Commander Halyburton with his yellow carnation.
In addition to the Ceremony outside, there were several Veterans Support Groups set up inside the memorial with materials and information to assist Veterans with various needs.
Afterwards, a luncheon was held inside the Memorial for all the attendees and guests.
It was a solemn ceremony of Remembrance, but it was also a celebration of the best of today. As a photographer, if I am taking a photo of one or two people I ask permission and then chat for a moment. At this event, I walked up to two gentlemen before the program began and asked to take their photo. They were dressed nicely in suits and ties, one with a straw hat. We chatted for a while and then I took their photo and moved on. It was only later in the day I discovered I had been casually chatting with a retired Brigadier General and his best friend who came to support him that day!
Event photography is different than personal photography. At an event, the goal is to capture the moments while doing your best to go unnoticed so as not to interrupt. Some photos are taken with a longer lens from a fair distance, others are taken quickly at closer range, and then you retreat. After a while, it seems people tend to forget you are there, they become less guarded and true personalities can be seen through the lens.
As I took hundreds of photos during this ceremony, what I saw through the lens was friendliness, respect, excellence, remembrance, determination to work until every soldier is accounted for, and thankfulness for the sacrifice of others. I saw tears sharing space with smiles, solemness with thankfulness.
I saw Council members, volunteers, military personnel, Daughters of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, cadets, police officers, Rolling Thunder riders, JROTC, and others work tirelessly to execute their roles perfectly. There was no division, just hundreds of people working together to honor our soldiers whose sacrifices are truly not forgotten.
I highly encourage everyone to attend the next National POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony, or better yet, volunteer to serve! It leaves an impression on your heart. It’s a respectful, solemn event, one that acknowledges the sacrifice of our soldier’s tomorrows for our todays.
