On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the sacrifices and remarkable determination of those captured as prisoners of war. We also remember those who remain unaccounted for, and we wish their families some small comfort in knowing that America has not forgotten them.
Our history is one of people who put love of country and family above their own well-being, and no group of Veterans has given more than the Americans captured by the enemy and held as prisoners of war. No group of civilians has given more than the loved ones of those who never came home and remain missing in action.
We in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been just as steadfast in fulfilling our nation’s responsibility for the care and welfare of our former prisoners of war. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 81,500 Americans are still missing — from the battlefields of World War II to recent conflicts. More than 142,000 American service men and women were captured and interned from World War I through the Gulf War.
They endured the uncertainties, deprivations and hardships of hostile captivity. That captivity took its toll -- a price that many are paying decades later. VA offers special care and benefits to help ease their burdens.
Our hearts also go out to those family members who suffer from not knowing the fate of their loved one – those brave Americans who were lost while answering the call of a grateful nation. We honor your service and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Edward P. Cutolo, MD
Acting Network Director, VISN 8
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