Congressman Buyer Issues Statement Commemorating National POW/MIA Day

In a show of support and recognition of National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) day House Committee on Veterans' affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-IN) released an official statement.

"On National POW/ MIA Day, let us be mindful of the heavy sacrifices of those who were held captive as POWs. We cannot begin to fathom the brutality or the subhuman conditions they faced at the hands of a merciless enemy. We cannot comprehend the emptiness and anguish the mothers and fathers and family members endured wondering what may have become of their loved ones.

However, we can honor their heroism, remember their courage, and marvel at the triumph of the human spirit that carried these brave men and women through the most harrowing of times.

I encourage all Americans to take a moment today to reflect on the cost of our freedom and remember those who have given so much to defend against the oppression of tyrants.
The debt this nation owes POW/MIAs can never be fully repaid, but their sacrifice can, and will, be remembered."

This cannot fill the void of the loss that loved ones have but this day does give the deserved recognition our brave prisoners of war and missing in action deserve.

Personally, I have but one request of the American people. Lets us not forget those who are now POW's or MIA's. Our four brothers who remain missing must be kept in our prayers and thoughts. We must never again leave a single American service member behind as we have done in the past. I ask each of you to say a special prayer for the families of our POW's and MIA's.

I ask the American government and the American people to remember the following great American's and their families.

Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin Apr. 9, 2004
Spc. Ahmed Altaie Oct. 23, 2006
Pvt. Byron Fouty May 27, 2007
Spc. Alex Jimenez May 27, 2007

In addition, let us not forget Capt. Scott Speicher from the first Gulf War who went missing on January 17, 1991.