The Niles-Buchanan YMCA was presented a POW/MIA flag Friday morning by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 6, Schoolcraft a non-profit organization united in the cause to bring full accountability to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

Members of all branches of the military, veterans, the Niles chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, organizers of the Niles war memorial and Marine recruits were on hand for the event.

The guest speaker was Earl Carter, professor of naval science at the University of Notre Dame.

“Us remembering is what gives POWs hope,” Carter said. “They are one of us and we must remember.”
Air Force Sgt. Ryan Ballard, a recruiter out of St. Joseph, said during the ceremony that nationally, the YMCA is supportive of members of the military and their families, offering discounted rates and welcoming recruiters.

“There are no other fitness centers working with the Department of Defense to offer these incentives,” Ballard said.

The flag, he said, was “designed as a symbol of concern.”

“We have become comfortable with our cable TV … working on our yard … but on days like today, it is important to take a step back in our daily lives,” Ballard said.

The flag is being flown below the U.S. flag in front of the YMCA entrance.

The POW/MIA flag was designed by World War II pilot and artist Newt Heisley in the 1970s for the National League of Families.

It is black with a silhouette of Jeffrery Heisley, the artist’s son; a watch tower with a guard on patrol; a strand of barbed wire; the white letters “POW” and “MIA” framing a white, five-pointed star; and a black and white wreath above the motto “You are not forgotten.”

It was officially recognized by Congress in 1990 and is specified to fly each year on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day.