Veterans Come Together for National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Danville

From the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley

Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV) sponsored a quiet and respectful remembrance for National POW/MIA Recognition Day in Danville at the Veterans Memorial Building on Friday. 

VNVDV President Mike Slattengren was joined by San Ramon Valley’s VFW Commander Ernie Petagara, also a Vietnam veteran — hoisted the POW-MIA Flag in Danville.

The third Friday in September is the day to remember the 140,000 former POWs who served and suffered, and to reinforce America's commitment to the fullest possible accounting of 83,000 missing servicemen and civilians who have yet to return home from their wars.

There are 73,000 from World War II, 8,000 from Korea, 1,660 from the Vietnam War, 125 from the Cold War, two Navy pilots from the first Gulf War, three civilians from Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in Afghanistan.

Also joining in Friday’s special remembrance were members of the VNVDV, VFW, American Legion and Marine Corps League — VSO organizations from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Alamo — who continue to remember and will burn the candle of hope that one day their comrades and fellow warriors will finally return home from their wars.  

This day also recognized those who were Prisoners of War & have returned. The VNVDV has multiple members who were POWs during Vietnam.

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