September 19 designated National POW/MIA Recognition Day
By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
On September 19, AARP of Tennessee sponsored the National POW and MIA Recognition Day at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in World’s Fair Park in Knoxville. It began with an invocation delivered by John Justice, which set a reflective tone for the gathering.
Dr. Pat Polis served as the Master of Ceremonies, leading the audience through a program filled with reverence and honor. He recognized those designated as POWs (Prisoners of War) and MIAs (Missing in Action), as well as those who could not be present. He emphasized, “We are here today to remind Knoxville and the world that they are not forgotten,” concluding the prayer with a military “Hooah!”
The West High School Navy JROTC proudly presented and later retired the Colors, a moment that filled the air with a sense of patriotism. The national anthem was beautifully sung by Jason Hard, the talented director and CEO of the Knoxville Opera.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs placed a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Monument to honor those who served. He also officially proclaimed September 19th as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Knox County, acknowledging the sacrifices made by countless service members. This proclamation particularly honors Captain Bill Robinson, who was the longest-held POW, spending 2,703 days as a prisoner during the Vietnam War.
Keynote speakers Brigadier General James Mungenast, USAF, and Dr. Joanne Devlin, PhD, associate director of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, discussed the significant work involved in identifying POW and MIA service members through archaeological efforts. Dr. Devlin emphasized the importance of never stopping the search and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The ceremony continued with the Missing Man Table Ceremony, a poignant representation and reminder of the sacrifices made by missing or imprisoned servicemen and women, followed by the solemn sounds of a rifle volley and Taps performed by the dedicated Volunteer State Honor Guard. As the gathering concluded, Reverend Polis and his heartfelt closing remarks echoed, reminding us that as of September 1, 2025, there are 71,854 Americans unaccounted for.
