Most probably had seen it before, but the symbol-filled ceremony honoring prisoners of war and service members missing in action that began the penultimate day of the Vietnam Veterans of America National Convention in Springfield still tugged at the emotions of the 200 or so vets who attended the 7 a.m. event.
Renee McGuan of DeKalb, a member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, choked up at the conclusion of the solemn 30-minute ceremony when she reminded the veterans to remember the POWs and MIAs.
“Surely they have not forgotten you,” she said.
Gary Sigler of Springfield, who was held captive at the “Hanoi Hilton” prisoner of war camp in North Vietnam for just under six years, said he felt obligated to comment on Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump’s comments about U.S. Sen. John McCain, who was held captive in North Vietnam for 5 1/2 years.
