POW/MIA monument dedicated in Memorial Day ceremony at Bloomfield

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Lt. General Clyde A. Vaughn perhaps said it best at Memorial Day ceremonies held at Bloomfield's Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, when he stated, "Don't ever forget."

The statement went out to an overflowing crowd at the cemetery's Memorial Day observance, a day that served well for the unveiling of a monument put in place to honor the nation's Prisoners of War and those declared Missing in Action throughout the nation's war history.

Addressing not only the former POWs present at Monday's ceremony, but the families of those former prisoners and the families of those who remain missing in action, Vaughn, a Dexter native who currently serves as director of the U.S. National Guard, commended their faith and endurance in dealing with the "unknown" over the years.

"Many of you know what it's like to go from day to day without knowing the fate of your loved one," Vaughn said, "and we honor you for your faith in dealing with those unknowns.

"Our mission comes first and we are taught to never accept defeat and to never quit," Vaughn told the audience, several of whom have never learned the fate of their sons, fathers, aunts or uncles in previous wars.

"And we are taught," he then reminded an emotional audience, "that we never, never leave a fallen comrade."

Commending those who made the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery a reality in Bloomfield, Vaughn emphasized to those present that they each had a rare opportunity granted to them, given the cemetery's geographic location.

"You can honor your loved ones right here, by simply paying a visit to this extraordinary setting and sitting here to contemplate for a few moments and to just simply say 'thanks' to all who rest here for their efforts that made our country the great nation that it is."

Immediately following Vaughn's address, attention was turned to the unveiling of the POW/MIA monument. The honor of unveiling was granted to World War II veteran Elmer Wilson and to former POW and World War II veteran, Harry Swinger, both of Dexter. Former POWs, Lewis R. Hillis (Korean War) and Edward M. Bender (World War II) laid the wreath at the foot of the monument.

The Farmington Correctional Center Honor Guard Team, along with members of the local American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard and Stoddard County Combined Veterans Organizations, also presided at the dedication ceremony.

Ken Swearengin, who serves as director of the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, welcomed guests and served to direct the day's events.