To the Editor,

On Monday, Sept. 11, our nation paused to remember the nearly 3,000 lives loss in the 9/11 attacks on the New York World Trade Center, Pentagon and the hijacked plane downed by the passengers after they realized what was happening. In addition to the remembrance, community events were also organized to thank fire, police, EMS and rescue personnel who provide for our citizens’ safety and protection every day, as they did in 2001. Members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 15 ask that readers in our community reflect on the loss of that day and take the time to thank the personnel described here for their service to our community. Not only do they serve in time of an event similar to 9/11, hurricanes or other disasters, but they are also here for us in day-to-day routines. Thank you to all these personnel.

Friday, Sept. 15, is another day to pause and remember. This third Friday of September is POW-MIA National Observance Day. It is a day designated to honor those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. According to the Defense Department POW/MIA Office, as of April 2009, 1,741 American personnel are still missing or unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Again, the members from Unit No. 15 ask citizens to remember these persons and their families and as you do, thank a veteran who has served his/her country so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans.

America is a great nation with many blessings. Please take the time to recognize and thank those who have given us so much.

Betsey Lee Hodges
President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 15
Washington