Service members who were held as prisoners of war and those still missing from the nation's wars deserve respect and admiration from the nation for which they fought, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said here today.
Mattis hosted the Defense Department's annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Pentagon River Terrace Parade field.
“Those who don the uniform — in particular, those who suffered in captivity or have gone missing in distant lands – serve as enduring proof that America still turns out warriors of true character and grit,” the secretary said.
While all who have worn the uniform deserve admiration, Mattis said, those who were prisoners of war “deserve our deepest respect.”
“We recognize the crucible that they went through,” he said, “and we will never let their sacrifices wither in the compost of history. They returned home to us as role models for honor and courage, and we remember their uniquely tested heroism every day.”
That heroism, Mattis said, is embodied by Air Force Chief Master Sgt. William Tiffins, who was present at today's event with his family. Tiffins served as a soldier in World War II and was held by the Germans as a prisoner of war for 18 months and eagerly re-enlisted as an airman when he returned home. The secretary also noted the sacrifices of…
