The Illinois House adopted a resolution sponsored by local state representative David Reis which honors Olney Rolling Thunder Chapter 3. The measure was drafted to honor the group for publicizing the POW-MIA issue, for educating the public that many prisoners of war and missing in action soldiers are left behind, and their continued commitment to helping American veterans from all wars. The Olney group created the Chair of Honor “One Empty Seat” as an initiative to help recognize and honor the more than 92,000 American soldiers who have been unaccounted for since World War I.
Reis, who represents the local 108th district, spoke on the floor Tuesday to explain the reason for the resolution.
“This story was really brought home to me last fall when a soldier who’s plane went down in 1969 in south Vietnam,” said Reis. “They were unable to get into the wreckage and recover the bodies. Fast forward 46 years and they got into the wreckage and were able to identify the remains of Kenneth Cunningham. He was brought home last fall to a grand ceremony and a proper burial. We cannot forget our prisoners of war and missing in action for the service and ultimate sacrifice they gave for their country.”
The resolution can be read in full here.