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Former POWs honored at VA WNY Healthcare System ceremony Story and photo
by Paul Cozad
Six years ago, on April 7, 2002, President George Bush signed a proclamation making April 9 Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. This proclamation stated, “I call upon the people of the United States to join me in remembering former American prisoners of war by honoring the memory of their sacrifices.” He also called upon, “federal, state and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with ceremonies and activities.” In recognition of this special day, on Wednesday, April 9, the VA Western New York Healthcare System on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo held a commemoration ceremony honoring all former prisoners of war from all wars the U.S. military has fought in. It was attended by many former POWs, mostly from World War II, but also from other recent wars. The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by uniformed members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, WNY Chapter No. 77, who presented the colors in smart military fashion, bringing back many memories to all the veterans in attendance as they stood at attention with a hand salute. Many had a tear or two roll down their cheek as time was erased and they were once more transplanted back to those days of service. It happens that way, as most vets know. You never really take off that uniform once you’ve worn it, especially the former POWs. After the invocation by the Rev. Bennie Davis, Protestant chaplain, VA WNY Healthcare System, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited with a vigor only those who served our flag can do. No hesitations; added emphasis on “under God.” All standing at attention as learned many, many years ago, and never forgotten. The welcome was given by Michael Finegan, Medical Center director, VA WNY Healthcare System. His remarks, along with those of Patrick Welch, Ph.D., director of the Erie County Veterans Service office, focused on the reason for this special service and why we give special honor to all former POWs for their sacrifices only they can truly understand. The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Patrick A. Soos of Grand Island, who is still on active service but will retire this year. He is also professor of military science at Niagara University. The numerous rows of ribbons, stars and commendations on his uniform gave stark evidence of his full and active years of service. His remarks honored all former POWs as he recognized their tremendous sacrifices and the sometimes-unthinkable conditions they endured during internment. As he talked, I looked around at the many former POWs sitting there, and every so often you would see some stare off in space with that “thousand yard” stare as memories forced a reliving of those times, times only they could truly ever know. Faces often grimaced, hands sometimes went to the forehead as they bowed and, for a few, their whole body would give a shake as a reaction to swirling memories. For those of you readers who might witness such reactions from veterans as they remember traumatic service incidents, never, never ever, comment or ask them about those times. Do not intrude on those memories. If they care to comment, they will do so on their own. The ceremony ended with full focus on honoring all former POWs for their special sacrifices, often enduring conditions beyond comprehension in their service to our great nation. This special day was theirs, earning those honors by their duty served in a way only known to them. It was interesting to note how, immediately after the ceremony, many POWs gathered in small groups by themselves in low-toned conversations, with an occasional glancing outward look as if to see who might be listening. Only they had that special “union card.” Those who served know what I speak. Paul Cozad is a WWII veteran from Wheatfield. |
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