A ceremony in Heritage Park in downtown Junction City Friday night recognized the nations prisoners of war and those still missing in action.

The ceremony drew a crowd of approximately 100 people in front of the State Vietnam Memorial on the east side of the park.

During the ceremony Colonel ( Retired ) John Seitz explained that the search for every soldier listed as a POW or MIA continues to this day. Seitz explained that as of Sept. 13th, 2013, there are still 1,644 unaccounted for soldiers from Vietnam. “There are 941 returned and identified since 1975. That gives you a good indication that there’s a pretty serious effort going on.”

He noted that over 400 people are engaged in the search full time.

Seitz stated,”Today’s Ceremony, like the ones held around the country, confirms our commitment to those who are unaccounted for and to their families.”

He told the crowd not to forget the warrior ethos, “I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade behind.”