Former POW Callaghan shares honor with fellow veterans

Former prisoner-of-war Peter Callaghan was honored early yesterday morning at the Court of Honor of the American Memorial Park as part of the observance of National Former Prisoners of War recognition Day.

Callaghan, who is now the Office of the Governor press secretary, wore a white military shirt and cap for the occasion, saying he shares the honor with fellow war veterans.

“I’m honored and I’m humbled that the President would set aside a date to honor former prisoners of war,” said Callaghan, adding that he was humbled by the fact that so many of his fellow Vietnam veterans have not received similar recognition. “I would like to share this honor with my fellow Vietnam veterans who have not received proper due.”

Callaghan was joined by his family for this special ceremony.

The Military and Veterans Affairs Office, together with officials of the national park, also raised four Prisoner of War and Missing In Action flags at the Court of Honor. The flags flew for one day with the American flag at the park.

Callaghan said he could not express his sincerest appreciation enough to the national park officials who took time and effort to recognize war veterans like him.

Callaghan said more than a million Americans served in Vietnam and most went home to be faced with insults and jeers, making them feel like their service was not appreciated.

The honor he received yesterday, he said, was also for his fellow veterans. “I would like to say to my fellow veterans thank you for your service.”

American Memorial Park superintendent Chuck Sayon said yesterday’s event was one of future events the park would continue to celebrate. He said most of the service days would take place late summer and fall.

Military and Veterans Affairs Office executive officer Ruth Coleman said Callaghan deserved the recognition, for the courage and suffering former prisoners of war went through. She said few people know about Callaghan’s experience because he does not want to talk about it in public.

“I never tried to hide the fact; it happened a long time ago,” said Callaghan when asked about it yesterday. He said it is something he is proud of but he also pointed out that so many men and women gave up their lives for the country. “My hats off to them.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars officials Barry Hirshbein and Robert Woodruff, Army Reserve officer Ed Camacho, Marianas Visitors Authority board chair Dave Sablan, Saipan Rotary Club president Harry Blalock, and a representative from the visiting USS Los Angeles also witnessed the flag raising and recognition for Callaghan.

President Bush proclaimed April 9 as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day last April 1. He said that the entire nation should remember the courageous individuals taken prisoner while defending the country, and honor their extraordinary sacrifices.

He said POWs are among the nation’s bravest heroes whose selflessness and heroism had made millions of people now live in freedom, “making America the greatest force for good on Earth and honoring them recognizes their roles in protecting the country and the liberty of mankind.“