Clemson ROTCs Honor Military Hero’s In Annual POW and MIA

September 22, 2014

On September 18^th ROTC cadets from both the Army and Air Force programs paused in their normal training schedules to commemorate national POW and MIA recondition day.  Prisoner of War and Missing in action recognition day is held on the third Friday of every September, and is celebrated every year by a ceremony hosted and organized be the Air Force ROTC detachment at Clemson, and attended by Army ROTC. Featured in the ceremony this year was former Marine, Purple Heart recipient, and long term Veterans Affairs Service Officer, Samuel D. Lewis. Mr. Lewis spoke on who qualifies as a veteran, and gave valuable advice on officership to Army and Air Force cadets in his address.

Perishing rifles, a joint Army and Air Force drill team, conducted a Missing Man Honors Ceremony, in which a small, symbolic empty table is set up to represent Americans who have not yet returned home but still have a place reserved for them by a grateful country ready to welcome them home.  A poem by USAF Senior Master Sergeant Don S. Miller entitled “My Name is Old Glory” was read to those in attendance, and was followed by retreat in Tillman Circle where the American flag was lowered and Taps was played along with a  21 gun salute.

The POW and MIA ceremony was followed by a 24-hour vigil organized by Arnold Air Society, an Air Force ROTC student organization.  From 6:00 p.m. September 18^th to 6:00 p.m. September 19^th cadets guarded an unmarked military uniform hung in a bamboo cage to symbolize their commitment to standing with and waiting for their brothers and sisters in arms.

Clemson’s Army and Air Force ROTCs are proud to uphold the rich military heritage of Clemson University and honor its country’s military heroes.  It looks forward to continuing the tradition of honoring our nation and producing quality officers for the world’s finest military.