HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20130617_POWMIAFlagDay.docxPRESS RELEASE: Contact: Tybee Island City Hall
For immediate release (912) 786-4573
Tybee Island City Hall to Fly POW/MIA Flag Year-round
Tybee Island, Ga. – (June 17, 2013) On June 13, 2013 Commander Chuck Bolen, American Legion Post 154, Tybee Island, along with Ronnie Tatum and Jimmy Carter, both retired Marines, presented
the City of Tybee with the POW/MIA flag. Mr. Tatum wore his Marine uniform and Mr. Carter donned a World War I uniform.
Commander Bolen addressed the Mayor and City Council:
While we have difficulty with many cities, in our own state, and across the nation, in having the POW/MIA flag displayed, all it took was one email to Mayor Buelterman to get immediate
support. Though our island may be less than 3 miles long, the City of Tybee is a giant in patriotism, leading by example and support of veterans and their families. In return, our American
Legion is proud to support the Mayor, City Manager, Council, residents and visitors alike.
The POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever displayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda where it will stand as a powerful symbol of national commitment to America’s POW/MIAs until the fullest possible
accounting has been achieved for U.S. personnel still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Many cities, municipalities and townships throughout this great nation display
this flag year round.
On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the League’s POW/MIA flag and designated it "as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment
to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation".
The importance of the POW/MIA flag lies in its continued visibility, a constant reminder of the plight of America’s POW/MIAs. Other than "Old Glory", the POW/MIA flag is the only flag
ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982.
Until all the persons/remains of all the POW/KIA/MIA of all our wars/conflicts (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and other minor conflicts) are returned or properly interned
overseas they will always be listed as MIA/ KIA-BNR(Killed in action/Body not recovered).
Dying for freedom isn’t the worst that could happen….being forgotten is.
Tybee Island City Council voted unanimously to fly the POW/MIA Flag at City Hall year round.
Mayor Jason Buelterman thanked the Legion representatives for keeping attention on the issues, and for providing the flag to the City in order to keep the issue prominently in mind for
everyone passing by City Hall.
Mayor Buelterman, City Manager Diane Schleicher, City Council and all attendees of the meeting joined the American Legion Post 154 Commander and representatives outside as the POW/MIA
flag was raised.
It was quite an emotional event and a proud day for the City of Tybee Island.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
and salt marshes on the back river, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to the island. As a key defense point to the important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee
Post Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs.
Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest,
the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off
the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs,
and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.
org/.
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Tybee Mayor Jason Buelterman looks on as Jimmy Carter, Ronnie Tatum, and Chuck Bolen attach the POW/MIA flag to the flagpole in front of City Hall.
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Tybee Mayor Jason Buelterman, American Legion Post Commander Chuck Bolen, Ronnie Tatum, and Jimmy Carter
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