A day of remembrance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affa
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The detail was called to attention and began marching. As they approached the silent guard, the Airmen dispersed and replaced each member of the vigil. The dismissed guards departed as their relief began their watch. The American and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flags, carried by two running flag-bearers, served as backdrop.

This scene was repeated time after time during the POW/MIA Remembrance Day Sept. 23, 2011, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

"The purpose of the [POW/MIA] run and vigil is to honor service members who cannot be here with us today," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Smith, the NCO in charge of the First Term Airmen's Center. "[The participants] are here for a reason: they care."

More than 250 Team Dover members participated in the second-annual run, which amounted to more than 275 laps around buildings 200, 201, 202, 204 and 205. The run began at 4 p.m. Sept. 22, and continued 24 hours until retreat played the following day. The running teams were originally planned for two people per 15-minute shift; however, due to the abundance of volunteers, many teams included more than five.

"[My run consisted of] a lot of reflecting; I have a friend, [Army Pfc.] Jose Andrade, who is overseas right now, so feelings come up when I see the American flag out there," said Airman Ricardo Munoz, a supply mission readiness support specialist with the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Though the weather was stormy during most of the run, runners like Munoz were not deterred.

"The rain didn't bother me at all," said Munoz. "Between the rain and the sweat, I lost track of what was what anyway."

The running circuit encircled the flagpole where four service members silently stood guard. The sixth-annual vigil, which began at 6:30 a.m., consisted of four-man details that stood guard for 10 minute shifts. Every unit at Dover AFB contributed members to the vigil.

"Participants were enthusiastic, yet reverent; we had so many volunteers that we had to turn people away," said Master Sgt. Eric Brandt, the first sergeant of the 436th Maintenance Group. "I want to thank the active-duty members, reservists, civilians and retirees who participated."

The day concluded with a retreat ceremony, during which the POW/MIA flag was flown; a fitting end to a day dedicated to our brothers and sisters in uniform. Team Dover's message to them is clear: you are not forgotten.