AMC Museum unveils POW/MIA Chair of Honor

Photo By Roland Balik | Col. Matt Husemann, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and former prisoner of war Ralph Galati, unveil the Chair of Honor during a ceremony at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 11, 2021. The chair is one of 58 dedicated chairs of honor throughout the state of Delaware and the first aircraft chair. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)  

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DELAWARE, UNITED STATES

11.11.2021

Story by Roland Balik      

436th Airlift Wing

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Air Mobility Command Museum held a POW/MIA exhibit dedication ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Nov. 11, 2021.

During the ceremony, the Chair of Honor, a C-5A Galaxy flight engineer chair, was unveiled to honor all those who are still being held as POW or listed as MIA.

“This empty chair will serve as an instant reminder of all the sacrifices made for our country by the still missing American servicemen who have for too long been forgotten by all except their families and some close friends,” said John Taylor, AMC Museum director. “This unoccupied seat is in honor of those who are still [POW] or [MIA], and symbolizes that there will be a place in this museum awaiting their return.”

This was Delaware’s 58th Chair of Honor and the first aircraft chair of its kind to be dedicated within the state.

Rosely Robinson, director of A Hero’s Welcome Delaware, explained the significance of the Chair of Honor and hopes the new exhibit will provide educational opportunities for the public.

“I wanted to make sure that the POWs and MIAs that never came home will never be forgotten,” said Robinson, who has coordinated 43 chairs to date. “Having this chair gives us the opportunity to teach everyone about POW/MIAs.

Ralph Galati, a former Vietnam POW himself, reflected on his 14 months as a POW and what the exhibit means to all those the chair represents.

“There are more than 80,000 [service members] missing since World War II, which means there are 80,000 families waiting for some resolution,” said Galati. “I think it is important to keep that memory alive and let the families know that they are not forgotten.”

• Date Taken: 11.11.2021
• Date Posted: 11.18.2021 13:56
• Story ID: 409600
• Location: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DELAWARE, US