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POW/MIA Recognition Day marked by symbols, reflections

By Marissa Harshman, Columbian Health Reporter
Published: September 19, 2015, 7:33pm
4 Photos
Robert H. Navarette, right, a World War II veteran, listens to speakers at the POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Vancouver on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.
Robert H. Navarette, right, a World War II veteran, listens to speakers at the POW/MIA Recognition Day Observance at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Vancouver on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015. (Paul Suarez/for The Columbian) Photo Gallery

Flags lined the walkway at the Armed Forces Reserve Center on Saturday morning. On the left, members of the Combat Veterans International and Patriot Guard Riders held American flags. On the right stood the flags of the 50 states.

At the end of the flagged corridor was the POW/MIA monument — the physical symbol of the community’s vow to never forget those who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

Those men and women were the focus of a 90-minute ceremony Saturday. About 75 people gathered under the sunny skies at the reserve center for the local observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, hosted by the Community Military Appreciation Committee.

“We won’t forget,” said Larry Smith, chair of the committee and Vancouver city councilor, during his opening remarks. “Clark County won’t forget. The city of Vancouver won’t forget.”

Dozens of veterans in attendance saluted as the Lewis and Clark Young Marines presented the American and Washington state flags, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem by Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds.

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt and state Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, spoke to the crowd, sharing their appreciation for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the military. And a wreath made of red, white and blue flowers was placed on the monument.

The wreath honored the 83,414 service members who are unaccounted for since World War I, the 142,247 who were captured and interned as POWs and the 17,010 who died in captivity, Smith said.

Eagle Scout Patrick Keller performed a remembrance reading. Next to the podium was a table for one. Keller explained its significance.

The single setting represented the frailty of one person against his or her oppressor. The single red rose stood for the family awaiting the return of their loved one. The candle was lit to represent the spirit; the lemon slice a reminder of their bitter fate.

“Until the day they come home, remember,” Keller said.

World War II veteran Dale Bowlin, an Army radio operator, was captured and wounded near Saarbrucken, Germany, in February 1945. He was a prisoner of war for two months — time spent in German military hospitals — and his left leg was amputated as a result of his injuries.

Still, Bowlin told the audience he considered himself lucky. 

“The last 70 years have been a bonus,” said Bowlin, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. “I’m alive today because that enemy I was trying to kill was willing to risk his life to save me.”

With that, Bowlin issued a challenge to those in attendance.

“So many people are struggling today, many with problems they won’t even admit to themselves,” he said. “Lend a hand. Take that step to lend a hand and help them through that crisis.”

Retired Maj. Gen. David E.B. Ward, who lives in the Yacolt/Amboy area, delivered the event’s keynote address. Ward completed Air Force pilot training in 1962 and went on to serve as a jet pilot instructor.

After leaving active duty in 1967, Ward joined the Oregon Air National Guard as an instructor pilot and combat fighter pilot.

On Saturday, Ward recalled the stories of a handful of friends, students and classmates who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

“The remembrance words are not just words I remember,” he said. “They’re words I can’t forget.”

“Just remember, there are families out there who have no closure and may never have closure,” he added. “They’re in our hearts.”

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Columbian Health Reporter