Recognizing Pow/Mia Recognition Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Today, we remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who served honorably and who have not returned home. Currently, almost 82,000 servicemembers have not returned from the battlefield. This includes those who served in World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Cold War, and both wars in Iraq.

Our servicemembers have made immense sacrifices, allowing us to live our lives in freedom and in peace. We thank those who served and returned home, but most importantly, we remember those who served and never returned.

Last September, I introduced a resolution that would enhance research and recovery efforts through future trade agreements with countries that still have our servicemembers. We must do everything in our power to ensure every U.S. servicemember returns home.

Recently, two brave soldiers, Sergeant Richard M. Sharrow and Corporal Francis Jury, made their way back home to the Commonwealth 74 years after bravely fighting in the Korean war.

Madam Speaker, on this POW/MIA Recognition Day, I urge my colleagues to honor our commitment to bring our servicemen and servicewomen home.

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