MIA/POW Recognition Day in West Monroe

"57 guys from my unit in Vietnam were M-I-A, there's still 2 left M-I-A,” said Commander of VFW-West Monroe, George Anzelmo.

There are thousands of men and women still unaccounted for from wars dating back to WW1 to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Families and friends are still dealing with the uncertain fate of these brave Americans.

"What we're doing is trying to raise the awareness. To try to get these people home, accounted for, or what happened to them," Vice Commander of the 5th District American Legion, James Johnson told NBC 10 News.

While the veterans were in full force today, the ROTC programs from local high schools were also out to show their respect. The ROTC program from West Monroe High School did the missing man table ceremony while the Ouachita and West Ouachita programs performed a flag ceremony. For the students in ROTC, today's ceremonies were a special opportunity to give back to those who sacrificed their lives.

"These people fought and died for their country, so if it wasnt for them, we wouldn't be free," said Cadet Lieutenant Colonial Lennon Haney.

A number of men and women were recognized at today's ceremony, but all of them would trade the recognition for American soldiers to be returned safely and for those who were lost to be accounted for.