In a recent meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court, a proclamation was made to recognize POW MIA Recognition Days, scheduled for September 16th through 22nd, 2024. This observance honors the sacrifices of military personnel who were prisoners of war or are still missing in action, a tradition that has been upheld nationally since 1979.

Marty Peters, a representative from the local American Legion Auxiliary, joined the commissioners to highlight the significance of this recognition. The proclamation emphasizes the ongoing commitment to honor those who have not returned from battle and to support their families, many of whom have been waiting for decades for closure regarding their loved ones' fates.

The meeting underscored the staggering statistics of missing servicemen: approximately 72,104 from World War II, 7,400 from the Korean War, and 1,244 from the Vietnam War, with nearly 38,000 still unaccounted for across various conflicts. The commissioners called upon residents to participate in the observance by displaying yellow ribbons and flying the POW MIA flag, symbolizing their tribute to these heroes.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the importance of DNA efforts in identifying remains of missing servicemen, with recent recoveries providing closure to families. The county plans to display yellow ribbons on the courthouse to further raise awareness and encourage community participation in honoring those who have served.

The ceremony hosted by the Cleburne American Legion Post will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals and the ongoing responsibility to remember and seek justice for their families.