Bob Dole: “just down the hall from my office, the POW/ MIA flag stands in the Capitol rotunda. That flag flies as a sad, but proud…”

“just down the hall from my office, the POW/ MIA flag stands in the Capitol rotunda. That flag flies as a sad, but proud, reminder of the sacrifices which brave people made in the defense of our country--in Vietnam, in Korea, and in World War II. As I am sure my colleagues know, today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day-- a day for all Americans to reflect on those who faithfully served this Nation but whose ultimate fate remains unknown. America must never forget those who have gone missing in the battles to defend our freedom. I opposed President Clinton's decision to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam. Shortly before the took office, then president-elect Clinton said that ``there will be no normalization of relations with any nation that is at all suspected of withholding any information.'' And while Vietnam may have selectively cooperated here and there, all signs continue to point to the fact that Vietnam is still willfully withholding information. We are still watching the Vietnamese Government. We are still expecting total cooperation. And we will not close the book until we are certain that we have the fullest possible accounting of every American POW and MIA. Today, let us look up to the POW/MIA flag in the rotunda, and really reflect. Many here have answered this country's call to arms, but today, let us remember those who endured a heavier burden as prisoners of war.”