Losano, Sauceda families to be recognized in POW/MIA event Friday - Gutierrez Amphitheater site of formal ceremonies

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ken Hall
  • Chief, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
DEL RIO, Texas --  Friday marks a first for Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base.

Laughlin's traditionally on-base National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony Sept. 21 will take place in Del Rio at the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez, Jr. Amphitheater to ensure the special event is more accessible to the general public.

The city and Laughlin are co-hosting the event which is set for 5 p.m. The ceremonies are free and open to the public and will include: 

     - Invocation - Maj. Gen. Gerald Prather, U.S. Air Force Retired.
     - Welcome Remarks - Mayor Pro-Tem and City Councilman Mike Wrob.
     - Keynote Address - Col. Mike Minahan, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.
     - Flag Pole Vigil - Laughlin's Air Force Sergeants Association and Company Grade Officers Council.
     - 21 Gun Salute - American Legion Post 595.
     - Taps - 2nd Lt. Alison Fischer, 47th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron.
     - Formal Flag Folding - Laughlin's Honor Guard. 

Each year, Presidential Proclamation designates the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day to recognize and honor those service members who suffered as prisoners of war, and those still missing. It was done for them; but more important, the day was set aside for their families and for every man and woman in uniform today so they can rest assured that should they fall in battle, America will bring them home.

"We are honored to team up with the City of Del Rio to help bring what has traditionally been an on-base event to the local community," said Col. Mike Minahan, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "It will be a time when we not only remember POWs and missing service members but also a time to honor the families of Del Rio's fallen heroes."

This year's event will include a special presentation to local "Gold Star" families by the Texas Vietnam Vets. The Texas Vietnam Veterans, from Alvin, Texas, near Houston, began a stalwart foot march Sept. 10, stopping in towns along Highway 90 West and aiming to bring the march to a close at Friday's POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies. Members of Laughlin will join the veterans near the Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery to march the final seven miles to the amphitheater.

During their journey, the Texas veterans recognized "Gold Star" families at each night's stop. The "Gold Star" is a tradition dating back to World War I where those families with members serving in war zones overseas would place a tapestry adorned with a Blue Star in their windows for each member deployed. If the family lost a member to the war, the tapestry was changed to a Gold Star representing their loss.

During Del Rio and Laughlin's annual POW/MIA event at the Gutierrez Amphitheater Friday, the Vietnam Veterans will present Del Rio's Losano and Sauceda families with a POW/MIA Flag in honor of their sons who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"We are honored to be able to stand with our Laughlin friends and neighbors to honor America's heroes," said Mayor pro tem and City Councilman Mike Wrob. "I encourage all members of this great community to come join us at the amphitheater Friday."