The community is invited to attend a ceremony honoring the nation's POWs and MIAs
hosted by Western Nebraska Community College.
The ceremony, in conjunction with National POW/MIA Recognition Day, will be held Friday,
September 21 at 10 a.m. in front of the Clark N. Williams Multicultural Learning Center
on the WNCC Scottsbluff Campus.
"Remembering and recognizing the sacrifices made by our nation's military is an essential
responsibility for all Americans," said WNCC Military and Veterans Affairs Director
Chris Wolf. "With this ceremony, we hope to honor those who have carried or continue
to carry those sacrifices, and their families."
The ceremony will include the presentation of colors by the Scottsbluff High School
Air Force ROTC, an explanation of the Missing Man Table by WNCC Instrumental Music
instructor and Sergeant First Class with the Colorado National Guard Dr. Nathaniel
Johnson, and a speech from Jerry Lucas, a Vietnam War veteran. One of Lucas's roles
during the war included processing overseas placement records, which sent troops to
Vietnam. Lucas later found out one of the records he processed was of his best friend
being sent to war, where he was later killed in combat. To cope with the trauma, Lucas
wrote a poem titled, 'The Last Retreat,' which will be included in his speech at the
ceremony.
"Even though he wasn't in Vietnam, he has a real emotional connection to the war,"
Wolf said. "I'm sure it will be a very powerful speech."
No reservations are required, though those interested in attending should note in
the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to The Pit, inside the Main
Building, across the street.