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Show ©Hilltop Times September 9, 2004 Commentary Efforts answer call to defend peace, freedom we pay tribute to those answering freedom's call to combat terrorism around the world. Secretary of the Air Force and Your efforts over the last three years have been phenomGen. John P. Jumper enal. You continue to professionally safeguard the skies of Air Force Chief of Staff America. You have dispersed al-Qaida and toppled the Taliban government in Afghanistan. And, you were instrumental On the third anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the world will remember those tragically lost because of the heinous actions in ending a cruel regime in Iraq and ensuring that a new, democratic government could take root. of terrorists in New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. These were attacks against freedom, democracy and human- Our superior total force of active duty, Guard, Reserve and ity that carried a high human toll as citizens from the United civilian Airmen continue to brilliantly answer America's call to defend peace and freedom. Our country is confident in States and many other countries lost their lives. This Patriot Day, we honor the memories of those lost, and your capabilities and proud of your service. by Dr. James G. Roche Unfortunately, on this, the third Patriot Day, our mission is not complete. Those who indiscriminately killed more than 3,000 people on Sept. 11, are still dedicated to terrorizing our nation and the world because we value life, believe in liberty and welcome democracy as the people's voice. « Let's remember those who are deployed in harm's way to defend the American way of life. And, let's ensure their families are taken care of while they're away from home. As Airmen, our cause is just and noble. Our country depends on us to stay the course. Thanks for all you do for America and our Air Force. May God bless you, and may God bless America. Symbols help recall missing, captured call for "lights out" on the battlefield, has become the pinnacle of emotion AFMC Public Affairs at funerals, wreath-laying and memorial services. * WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFMCNS) — The missingNational POW-MIA Recognition man formation; rendering 'Taps"; a Day is one of six days specified by black flag with white lettering that law, on which its black flag with white reads, "You Are Not Forgotten"; a artwork and wording is flown over metal band, with a stranger's name federal facilities, cemeteries, post engraved, worn around someone's offices and military installations. wrist until that stranger — a fellow Finally, individuals who wear POWAmerican — is repatriated. MIA bracelets are people who have America is a symbolic land. These taken a serious vow to a total stranger in that the bracelet is not removed symbols unmistakably represent a day that is in reverence for those indi- until the day the individual's status ^^^^^mmmmmmm is determined, viduals in uni- ^a^m^ma^^^am^ form who have or is returned served this home to the great nation in United States. past — and preWhile National sent—wars and POWMIARecog^ conflicts, who nition Day is not were either held the sole time captive by that these and enemy hands or other symbolic whose remains gestures can be have yet to be observed, dedrepatriated from icating a day foreign soil. annually reminds us of the imporThe day is tance of taking National POW—Kathleen Lopez ^^^~^"^^^~~ time to rememMIA Recognition Day, traditionally recognized on ber those who made the ultimate sacthe third Friday in September, except rifice for America's freedoms. when there is a conflict with religious This is where America's great pride observances. This year, out of respect in its symbolism shows its value. for Rosh Hashanah, National Throughout its history, through POW/MIADay will be observed Sept. many wars and conflicts, the United 14. States has seen nearly 100,000 of its There will be many ceremonies own either held in captivity by an nationwide that will include some of enemy state and returned home in the symbolisms mentioned here. deteriorating health, if at all, or be The missing-man formation, while missing and not yet be repatriated. Symbolic gestures — be it a national once rarely seen by the public, tells a mournful story without words. day of recognition, an aircraft forWhether viewing the configuration mation, 24 notes played on a bugle, while the wingman spirals upward, a flying flag or a piece of metal wrapped alone, or watching the remaining air- around a wrist — make us acutely craft flying in solid formation with a aware of others' sacrifices for our gaping hole, there is something, some-freedom. one, missing. The formation charWe don't forget those we have lost, acterizes heart-wrenching emptiness. and we must never forget those who The sound of 'Taps," while once a still are. by Kathleen A.K. Lopez u We don't forget those we have lost, and we must never forget those who still are. Hill Street views 'How did you spend your Labor Day weekend?' Senior Airman Laurence Alberts Finance Technician 75th Comptroller Squadron "I got married to the love of my life" Airman William Burse Entry Controller 75th Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Stacia Douglas Services Journeyman 75th Services Division "I went to a Boise State foot- "I spent my holiday weekball game." end checking in out-of-town guests coming for the All NighterattheNCOClub." Debbie Rossander El Berry Reservationist 75th Services Division Office Assistant AAFES "I stayed home and remod- "I went out to the Navajo reservation to visit my family. eled my house." I had lots of fun." Airman 1st Class Andrew Zimmermann Electrician 75th Civil Engineer Squadron "I went fishing at Bear Lake." "The U.S. Air Force — meeting tl\e challenge through Global Vigilance, Reach and Power: Quality Systems for Americas Air Force Hilltop Times Published by Ogden Publishing Corp., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Hill AFB. 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