Veterans of Foreign Wars POW/MIA GOALS

The VFW will not rest until we achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing American military service members from all wars.

The VFW encourages the U.S. trips to Pacific, Asian and European government to continue its missing countries where they meet with 1 personnel accounting efforts, and is senior host country officials to directly engaged with former enemy stress the importance of conducting nations urging their fullest investigation and recovery cooperation and assistance in operations, as well as gaining access obtaining information about to documents and archival research American POWs/MIAs. VFW facilities. national officers make periodic

VFW’s Stance on POW/MIA Issues

1. Never quit on achieving the fullest federal government buildings as a possible accounting of all American reminder that this issue is a matter of POWs/MIAs from all wars. national importance. 2. Urge Congress to fully fund the 6. Immediately drape all transfer requested amounts for the Defense cases containing recovered remains POW/MIA Accounting Agency and of military members with the U.S. flag all supporting agencies involved in the upon departure from foreign soil. Full Accounting Mission. 7. Solicit and provide information to 3. Encourage POW/MIA public assist the government of Vietnam in awareness projects and events. accounting for their own missing- 4. Support POW/MIA Recognition inaction during the war with the U.S Day. 8. Keep the U.S.-Russia Joint 5. Encourage the flying of the Commission on POW/MIAs intact in POW/MIA flag on all local, state and mission, personnel and funding.

NEVER QUIT NEVER QUIT NEVER NEVER QUIT NEVER QUIT NEVER NEVER QUIT NEVER QUIT NEVER UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER DNA Indentification UNKNOWN NO LONGER

2

Each human carries around a cellular dog tag called nuclear DNA—genetic material inherited in equal shares from a person’s mother and father at the moment of conception. It is unique to each individual and a sure-fire identifier. Law enforcement uses nuclear DNA to convict criminals, and military investigators use it to identify current battlefield and accident victims. Usually, this is done by comparing a known sample of the victim’s DNA to DNA taken from the bodily remains. But first there must be a sample on file. UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER UNKNOWN NO LONGER

Fortunately, another kind of DNA—called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—is of great help in identifying older remains. This material is extremely abundant,with most bodily cells containing thousands of copies. With so muchmore mtDNA available, some of it almost always survives, no matter how old or degraded the remains (teeth and bones can be good sources).

Scientists haveN evenNO LONG extractedER UNKNOW NmtDNANO LONGE RfromUNKNOWN a 100,000-year-oldNO LONGER cave man.

Unlike nuclear DNA,Fortunately, mtDNA is another not kind ofremains. DNA—called Thanks mitochondrial to the mtDNA DNA (mtDNA)—is unique to the individualof greatin question. help in identifyingrepository, older remains. more This material than 1,000 is extremely families abun- For starters, only a fewdant, hundred with most bodily cellshave containing experienced thousands the of copies. bittersweet With so much more mtDNA available, some of it almost always survives, no matter how thousand different variationsold or degraded of the remainsclosure (teeth andof MIAbones identification. can be good sources). mtDNA exist among theScientists world’s have even extracted As mtDNA with nuclearfrom a 100,000-year-old DNA, however, cave man. billions of people. In addition, mtDNA comes into play only after mtDNA comes solely Unlikefrom anuclear person’s DNA, mtDNAother is not meansremains. have Thanksbeen used to the to mtDNA unique to the individual in question. repository, more than 1,000 fami- mother, and it is sharedFor by starters, all only a few hundrednarrow thelies identity have experienced possibilities. the bitter- maternal relatives, whichthousand means different variations Perhaps of investigatorssweet closure of know MIA identification. that siblings as well asmtDNA maternal exist among the world’swhich unit (andAs with therefore nuclear DNA,which however, billions of people. In addition, mtDNA comes into play only after aunts, uncles and cousinsmtDNA have comes solely fromindividuals) a per- other was means in an have area been at the used to identical mtDNA. Consequently,son’s mother, and it is sharedtime by of all a battle.narrow Or, the inidentity the case possibilities. of a mtDNA is not a precisematernal identifier relatives, which meanscrashed plane,Perhaps there investigators may be a knowroster and would be worthlessthat in siblings a criminal as well as maternalof crew members.which unit Or (and dog therefore tags which aunts, uncles and cousins have individuals) was in an area at the 3 case. But this apparentidentical shortcoming mtDNA. Consequently,or personaltime effects of a battle. might Or, be in foundthe case of a also is mtDNA’s greatestmtDNA asset. is not a precise identifiernear the remains.crashed plane,With there the listmay of be a ros- Since 1992, investigatorsand would have be worthless inpossibilities a crimi- ter sufficiently of crew members. narrowed, Or dog tags nal case. But this apparent short- or personal effects might be found been collecting mtDNAcoming from also the is mtDNA’s greatestinvestigatorsnear can the thenremains. use With a relative’s the list of 3 maternal relatives of MIAsasset. and mtDNA to posconfirmsibilities (forsufficiently all narrowed, using these samples to identifySince 1992, investigatorspractical have purposes)investigators can then use a rela- been collecting mtDNA from the tive’s mtDNA to confirm (for all maternal relatives of MIAs and practical purposes) the identity of using these samples to identify the remains. Maternal Relatives Needed Maternal To Donate DNA Samples Grandmother Maternal Relatives Needed The Defense POW/MIATo Donate Accounting DNA Samples Agency (DPAA) wants blood. Specifically, it is seeking Aunt Mother Uncle The Pentagon’s POW/Missing Person- blood samples from maternalnel Office (DP relativesMO) wants of blood. missing Spec- GIs to perform DNA ificallymatching, it is seeking tests. blood DPAA samples from Cousin Cousin Missing Sister Brother officials say VFW membersmaternal relatives can beof missinga big GIshelp to per- form DNA matching tests. DPMO offi- in this endeavor. If youcials are say or VFW know members of a canfamily be a big member who is eligiblehelp toin thisgive endeavor. blood If foryou areDNA or know 2nd Cousin 2nd Cousin Niece Nephew matching, contact yourof a respective family member military who is eligible to give blood for DNA matching, contact service Casualty AssistanceDPMO at (703)Office 699-1101 at http:// or visit them Great Great Niece Nephew online at www.dtic.mil/dpmo. www.dpaa.mil/Families/ContactInformation. Only relatives along female blood lines can aspx, or by calling: donate.

Army, 1-800-892-2490; Air Force, 1-800-531-5501; Marine Corps, 1-800-847-1597; or the U.S. State Department at 1-202- Navy, 1-800-443-9298; 647-5470. Code, Title 36, Section 902 POW/MIA FLAG DISPLAY

4

The display of the POW/MIA flag shall serve as the symbol of the nation’s concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of Americans who, having been prisoners of war or missing in action, still remain unaccounted for — or in the future may become prisoners of war, missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of hostile action.

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN When and Where the POW/MIA Flag is Displayed The POW/MIA flag is displayed at selected federal facilities on six designated days: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. Order of Precedence in the Display The federal facilities are the of the POW/MIA Flag Capitol; the White House; the World All flags flying on the same pole with War II Memorial; the the U.S. flag will be subordinate to Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam the U.S. flag. The question frequently Veterans Memorial; each national arises about what flag (POW/MIA, cemetery; the buildings containing state, organization, etc.) has the official office of the secretaries precedence to be flown directly of State, Defense, Veterans Affairs beneath the U.S. flag and above and the Director of the Selective any other flag. There is no definitive Service System; each major military answer or protocol established in installation, as designated by the writing or codified in law. 5 Secretary of Defense; each medical It is VFW protocol, since the center of the Department of Veterans POW/MIA flag is considered a Affairs; and each U.S. Postal Service federal banner, that the POW/MIA post office. In the case of display at flag has precedence over all other A medical centers, the World War II flags flying on the same pole beneath Memorial, the Korean War Veterans the U.S. flag. In a line of march, the Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans POW/MIA flag is carried to the Memorial, the POW/MIA flag will be immediate left of the U.S. flag. VFW displayed any day on which the views the POW/MIA issue as a U.S. flag is displayed; in the case of matter of national importance first, display at U.S. Postal Service post thereby giving the POW/MIA flag a offices, if any of the six designated position of prominence. days are not on a business day, the flag will be flown on the last business day before the designated day.

The Medal was created by Public Law 99- 145 in 1985. Any U.S. veteran who has been taken prisoner and held captive since April 5, 1917, qualifies. However, veterans must serve honorably while in captivity. This means that veterans who collaborate with the enemy are ineligible.

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN National League of POW/MIA Families POW/MIA FLAG HISTORY

The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia was incorporated in the District of Columbia on May 28, 1970. The League’s sole purpose is to obtain the release of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing, and the repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died 6 during the . Its Web site is www.pow-miafamilies.org.

In 1970, Mrs. Michael Hoff, an MIA were manufactured for distribution. wife and member of the National Wanting the widest possible League of Families, recognized the dissemination and use of this symbol need for a symbol of our POW/ to advocate for improved treatment MIAs. Prompted by an article in the for and answers on American POW/ Jacksonville, Florida, Times-Union, MIAs, no trade mark or copyright was Mrs. Hoff contacted Norman Rivkees, sought. As a result, widespread use Vice President of Annin & Company, of the League’s POW/MIA flag is not which had made a banner for the restricted legally. The large volume of newest member of the United Nations, commercial production and sales now the People’s Republic of China (PRC), required to meet demands of federal as part of their policy to provide flags and state laws does not benefit the of all United Nations member states. League financially, though Annin & Mrs. Hoff found Mr. Rivkees very Company did contribute a modest sympathetic to the POW/MIA issue. amount on one occasion. He and an Annin advertising agency On March 9, 1989, an official League employee, Newt Heisley, designed a flag flown over the White House on flag to represent our missing men. National POW/MIA Recognition Day Following approval by the League’s 1988 was installed in the U.S. Capitol Board of Directors at a meeting held Rotunda as a result of legislation January 22-23, 1972, POW/MIA flags passed overwhelmingly during the

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES 100th Congress. In a demonstration of White House, having been displayed in bipartisan Congressional support, the this place of honor on National POW/ leadership of both Houses hosted the MIA Recognition Day since 1982. installation ceremony, at which League Passage by the 105th Congress of Executive Director Ann Mills-Griffiths Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense delivered remarks represented the Authorization Act required that POW/MIA families. the League’s POW/MIA flag fly six The League’s POW/MIA flag is the only days each year: Armed Forces Day, flag ever displayed in the US Capitol Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Rotunda where it stands as a powerful Day, National POW/MIA Recognition symbol of America’s determination to Day and Veterans Day. It must be account for US personnel still missing displayed at the White House, the US and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam Capitol, the Departments of State, War. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Congress passed US Public Law 101- headquarters of the Selective Service 355, which recognized the League’s System, major military installations as POW/MIA flag and designated it “the designated by the Secretary of Defense, symbol of our Nation’s concern and all Federal cemeteries and all offices commitment to resolving as fully as of the US Postal Service. In addition possible the fates of Americans still to the specific dates stipulated, the prisoner, missing and unaccounted Department of Veterans Affairs 7 for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the voluntarily displays our POW/MIA flag uncertainty for their families and the 24/7. The National Vietnam Veterans, Nation”. Korean War Veterans and World War The importance of the League’s POW/ II Memorials are now also required MIA flag lies in its continued visibility, by law to display the POW/MIA flag a constant reminder of the plight of daily. Most State Capitols have adopted America’s POW/MIAs. Other than similar laws, as have local governments “Old Glory,” the League’s POW/MIA nationwide. flag is the only flag ever to fly over the

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Mission: To promote the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation. Web site: http://www.dpaa.mil

Service Casualty Offices Web site: http://www.dpaa.mil/Families/ContactInformation.aspx

Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) Mission: To provide worldwide scientific consultation, research and education services in the field of forensic DNA analysis to the Department of Defense and other agencies. To provide DNA reference specimen collection, accession and storage of U.S. military and other authorized personnel. Web site: www.afmes.mil

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES NATIONAL LEAGUE OF POW/MIA FAMILIES Missing Man TABLE OF HONOR CEREMONY

An appropriate ceremony for lunch or banquet settings. Careful attention should be given to the proper layout of the table.

Master of Ceremonies “Before we begin our festivities this A slice of lemon on the plate evening, I would like to recognize our reminds us of their bitter fate. POWs/MIAs by calling your Salt sprinkled on the plate reminds attention to this small table which us of the countless fallen tears of occupies a place of honor near the families as they wait. 8 head table. The glass is inverted—they cannot It is set for one, symbolizing the toast with us this night. fact that members of our armed The chair is empty—they are not forces are missing from our ranks. here. They are referred to as POWs/MIAs; The candle is reminiscent of the we call them brothers. light of hope which lives in our hearts They are unable to be with their to light the way home, away from loved ones and families tonight, so their captors to the open arms of a we join with them in this humble grateful nation. tribute. Let us now rise and raise our This table, set for one, is small— glasses in a toast to honor America’s symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner POW/MIAs and to the success of alone against his oppressors. The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose displayed in the vase reminds us of the families and friends of our missing brothers who keep faith while awaiting their return. The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return, and determination to account for them.

THE TABLE CLOTH IS WHITE THERE IS A SINGLE ROSE THERE IS A RED RIBBON AROUND THE VASE Alternate Ceremony Set for Six

Master of Ceremonies Master of Ceremonies “As you entered the dining area, you “Please be seated. I would like to may have noticed a table at the front, explain the meaning of the items on raised to call your attention to its this special table. purpose—it is reserved to honor our The table is round—to show our missing loved ones [or missing everlasting concern for our missing comrades in arms, for veterans]. men. Set for six, the empty places The tablecloth is white— represent Americans [our men] symbolizing the purity of their still missing from each of the five motives when answering the call to services— Army, Marine Corps, duty. Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard—and The single red rose, displayed in a civilians. This Honors Ceremony vase, reminds us of the life of each of symbolizes that they are with us, here the missing, and the loved ones and in spirit. friends of these Americans who keep Some in this room were very young the faith, awaiting answers. when they were sent into combat; The vase is tied with a yellow however, all Americans should never ribbon to symbolize our continued 9 forget the brave men and women uncertainty, hope for their return, and who answered our nation’s call and determination to account for them. served the cause of freedom in a A slice of lemon on the bread plate special way. is to remind us of the bitter fate of I ask you to stand, and remain those captured and missing in a standing for a moment of silent foreign land. prayer, as the Honor Guard places A pinch of salt symbolizes the the five service covers and a civilian tears endured by those missing and cap on each empty plate.” their families who seek answers. (Optional Step: The Bible, Torah, or Honor Guard other book of faith, represents the In silence or with dignified, quiet strength gained through faith to music as background, the Honor sustain those lost from our country, Guard moves into position around founded as one nation under God.) the table and simultaneously places The glass is inverted—to symbolize the covers of the Army, Marine their inability to share this evening’s Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast [morning’s/day’s] toast. Guard, and a civilian hat, on the The chairs are empty—they are dinner plate at each table setting. missing. The Honor Guard then departs. Let us now rise and raise our glasses in a silent toast to honor America’s POW/MIAs and to the success of our efforts to account for them.”

A SLICE OF LEMON SALT IS ON THE PLATE THERE IS A CANDLE THE CHAIR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR POW/MIA Ritual POW/MIA Ritual TRIBUTETRIBUTE TOTO COMRADESCOMRADES

Laurel Wreath: Victory Over Death

White Flower: Blue Flower: Devotion to Duty Love of Country

10 Red Flower: Evergreen Sprig: 10 Courage and Gallantry Love of Comrades

TheThe Post Post room room will will bebe setset theater SuggestedSuggested opening opening address: address: fashionfashion with with the the altaraltar oror small tabletable atat front front center center to to receivereceive the symbol- OO.D.:.D.: “Honor “Honoreded guests, guests, comrades, comrades, sis- symbolicic tributes. tributes. terssisters and friends,and friends, the members the members of of ______Post Post # ______# ______Veterans Veterans of of TheThe POW/MIA POW/MIA flagflag shouldshould be be pr op- ForForeigneign W Warsars of theof the Unit Uniteded Stat States,es, are properlyerly displa displayed.yed. asaresembled assembled here to hereremember to remember com- radescomrades who are who being are held being as prisonersheld as PostPost officers officers in ororderder ofof rrank,ank, or or c om- ofprisoners war or mis ofsing war in oraction. missing We inmust action. rades representing them, will be not forget the sacrifices these com- comrades representing them, will be We must not forget the sacrifices seated in the front row, right of the rades are still making and the suffer- seatedcenter in aisle. the Iffront the Ladiesrow, right Auxiliary of the is ingthese they comradesare still enduring are still for making us and and centerto par aisle.ticipat Ife, the the Ladiesofficers Auxiliary or repre- is ourthe w sufferingay of life. They they mustare still remain enduring tosentatives participate, will the be seatedofficers in theor front alivefor usin our and minds our way and ofhearts life. Theyuntil we must representativesrow, left of the centerwill be aisle. seated in the knowremain they alive have in returned our minds home and to hearts front row, left of the center aisle. theiruntil loved we knowones or they have have been returned called The Officer of the Day (O.D.) or tohome the bosom to their of Ourloved Heavenly ones or Father. have Theother Officer proficient of the comrade Day (O.D.) will give or the Webeen must called continue to the to bosomgive moral of Oursup- otherpreliminary proficient address comrade and act will as givemas- portHeavenly to their Father.families We who must continue continue to theter preliminary of ceremonies address during and this act ritual. sufferto give along moral with support them. to their families as master of ceremonies during “Colorwho continueGuard! Prepare to suffer to post along with this ritual. them. “Color Guard! Prepare to post AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR

Colors! All rise! Present Arms!” hold the symbol in view of the audience while speaking. The Colors will enter by way of the center aisle and be posted on each The symbols are: side of the altar. The bearers and Laurel Wreath—victory over death, guards will remain with the Colors presented by Commander during the ceremony. Evergreen Sprig—love of comrades, presented by Chaplain O.D.: “Order Arms! Parade, rest! Blue Flowers—love of country, Uncover!” presented by Officer of the Day White Flowers—devotion to duty, Chaplain: “Almighty God and presented by Senior Vice merciful Father, we praise and Commander glorify You. Thank You for the many Red Flowers—courage and gallantry, blessings You have bestowed upon presented by Junior Vice Commander our great nation. Heavenly Father, we beseech You to guide our missing When finished speaking, the officer comrades through every day and will turn, place the symbol on the night. Give them unbound strength altar, salute and return to his/her and courage to continue their efforts seat. 11 to survive and return to their loved ones. If they perish, Lord, we ask You If the Ladies Auxiliary are to to welcome them to the house You participate, they will be introduced have prepared for them where they along with their counterpart of the will rest in peace. Amen.” Post. Each lady, instead of the Post officer, will hold a symbol in view of O.D.: “Let us all rededicate ourselves the audience while the Post officer is to the flag of our country by reciting speaking. Then both will turn, place the Pledge of Allegiance.” the symbol, salute and return to their seats. “Attention! Cover! Present Arms! [O.D. will lead in the recitation of the Junior Vice Commander: “The flag pledge.] Order Arms! You may be of the United States reflects our seated.” imprisoned and missing comrades. The red stripes reflect their courage “Before you is the flag of the United and willingness to sacrifice, even States, the flag of our country for their lives if necessary. The red of our which our imprisoned and missing country’s flag has been made redder comrades are still suffering and by their heroism. Therefore, we place dying. Look closely upon this these red flowers to symbolize their beautiful symbol and listen to the courage and gallantry.” words of our officers as they present their symbolic tributes.” The O.D. will introduce Post officers in turn. They will come forward and AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR AN ACCOUNTING WITH HONOR

Senior Vice Commander: “The white O.D.: “All rise! Uncover! Parade, stripes symbolize the purity of rest!” purpose that our comrades have in serving under this beautiful flag. The Chaplain: “Almighty God, we praise white becomes more stainlessly pure Thee, we glorify Thee and we thank by the motives which impel them. Thee for sparing us from the grasp of We place these white flowers as a our enemies. Grant us full reminder of their unselfish devotion understandings of the suffering being to duty.” endured by our comrades who are being held as prisoners of war or are Officer of the Day: “The blue of our still missing. flag symbolizes truth and fidelity and represents the desire of our missing “We ask Thy blessings upon them, comrades for peace and happiness that whatever comforts they are throughout the world. Therefore, we denied, whatever evil they must place these blue flowers to symbolize endure may rebound to their the great love that our comrades have everlasting happiness. for our flag and our country.” “Especially do we seek Thy support 12 Chaplain: “As our flag symbolizes for their loved ones. May Thy grace undying love for our country, this be with them, always giving them the evergreen tribute, whose color strength to do their daily tasks and bespeaks life everlasting, symbolizes the courage to meet the problems of our undying love for our imprisoned life. and missing comrades.” “We pray for those missing comrades Commander: “As the flag of the who have been called to Thy United States symbolizes victory bosom that whatever justice they over oppression for the living, so this have been denied in this life has been laurel wreath symbolizes victory over granted them a hundredfold. Amen.” death for those who have made the supreme sacrifice. O.D.: “Color Guard! Prepare to retire the Colors! Comrades attention! Therefore, we place this last token of Cover! Present Arms! affection in honor of our missing comrades who have gone to their The national anthem will be sung, final reward.” then the Colors will be retired.

If the Ladies Auxiliary is participating, O.D.: “Order Arms! This concludes the O.D. will call for the Ladies our ceremony.” chaplain to offer the closing benediction. If not, he will call on the Post chaplain.