Pocono News Section

POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony

POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony - Friday, September 19, 2008 at 5:20PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Friday, Sep 19, 2008 @ 05:20pm EST
PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY- Friday is National Prisoner of War, Missing in Action Recognition Day. Ceremonies were held all across the country including in Luzerne County.

A color guard walks with the American and POW/MIA flag at this ceremony in Plains Township. Former prisoners of war and their family salute, and pay tribute. One said, "This is my country. I have fought for it, i have been imprisoned for it, and many have died for it."

The ceremony has special meaning for Dari Leightcap. "We took quite a beaten. They were not able to reach us," says Leightcap.

He was captured by German troops in World War II. "They marched us different places, they took my over shoes. My feet froze. All in all it was quite an ordeal. It's hard to talk about," says Leightcap.

But he draws strength from former prisoners of war like him. About a dozen came to this ceremony, and stood tall even if they were bound by a wheelchair.

They want servicemen missing in action to know, they aren't forgotten. VA Medical Center Administrator Gene Molino says, "We remember the sacrifice made by those brave Americans who were taken prisoner and then returned. And those who still are listed as prisoners of war."

That's a message that rings true with Leightcap. He says, "The whole ceremony means a great deal to me."

And it clearly means a great deal to all who were honored here.