Andrea Joy Campbell: “I begin my statement today describing a powerful and emotional sight that moves us to the core of our faith and beliefs…”

“I begin my statement today describing a powerful and emotional sight that moves us to the core of our faith and beliefs about America and about those who have served in the Armed Forces of our nation. Many of us have visited one or more of the military academies that train our future military leaders. These academies have varied missions and yet all of them share in the critical task of developing leaders for their particular service and our country. On the grounds of each academy is a chapel, a spectacular place that at once identifies itself as a place of worship. In each chapel, a place has been reserved for the Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action from their particular branch of service. A pew has been set aside and marked by a candle, a powerful, symbolic reminder that not all have returned from battle. This hallowed place has been set aside so that all POWs and MIAs are remembered with the dignity and honor they deserve.”