76th raised flag for POW/MIA Day

Photo By Maj. Michael Garcia | The POW/MIA Day is a day to recognize military members who never made it home safely. Two of the fallen military members were Pfc. Thomas Montoya and Sgt. William Andrews, both enlisted in Salt Lake City. The Soldiers of the 76th Division Operational Response based out of Fort Douglas raised the black and white POW/MIA flag to honor these fallen comrades.  

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, UNITED STATES

09.16.2016

Story by Maj. Michael Garcia 

76th Operational Response Command

SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, the 76th Division Operational Response Chief of Staff, Col. Doug Cherry, and the surviving relatives of Pfc. Thomas Montoya and Sgt. William Andrews, participated in the National prisoner of war (POW)/missing in action (MIA) Day flag raising ceremony at the Salt Lake City and County building, September 16.
The POW/MIA Day is a day to recognize military members who never made it home safely. Two of the fallen military members were Montoya and Andrews, both enlisted in Salt Lake City. The Soldiers of the 76th Division Operational Response based out of Fort Douglas raised the black and white POW/MIA flag to honor these fallen comrades.
During Cherry’s remarks, he shared part of the Soldier’s Creed that he’s an American Soldier and will never leave a fallen comrade. “So today, we as a Nation re-affirm our commitment and we rededicate ourselves to this important task. We will not call our mission complete until all of our fallen return home to those who keep vigil for their loved ones, to those who are still waiting, to those who have never given up hope,” he said.
“I’m deeply honored to take part in this solemn recognition of our missing military personnel who have yet to return home,” said Biskupski. “I hope this acknowledgement, small as it is, helps show that Salt Lake City fully respects and supports these brave servicemen and their families for their incredible sacrifices.”
Carlos Jimenez, a nephew of Montoya, stated that he has been educating people the importance of recognizing fallen military members and most importantly, the death of Pfc. Montoya, who went missing in 1952 during the Korean War. “I thought it was time to educate the community about the sacrifices of all MIA/POWs, not just my family,” said Jimenez.
Ruby Nelson remembered her uncle, Sgt. Andrews, whose airplane crashed during a bombing run and was later captured and executed by the Japanese during World War II, along with several of his crews on board. His remains have never been returned.
The black and white POW/MIA flag has been authorized to fly with the United States flag over the White House and other state and federal buildings. In September 16, 2016, marked the day the flag officially will be flying each year in front of the Salt Lake City and County building.
“Today Salt Lake City stands with you to say ‘You are not forgotten,’” said Biskupski.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2016
• Date Posted: 09.21.2016 14:55
• Story ID: 210201
• Location: SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US
• Hometown: SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US