News

AMC Museum unveils POW/MIA Chair of Honor

  • Published
  • By Roland Balik
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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.”