A group of ISU Air Force ROTC cadets and officer-instructors gathered Friday morning at the state Capitol in Des Moines as the lieutenant governor read a proclamation naming the day POW/MIA day.

The proclamation was then run the 36 miles from the Capitol to the Memorial Union.

The proclamation and run were in honor of the National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is held every third Friday in September.

Approximately 40 members of the Air Force ROTC program took part in the run.

“This is our largest turnout ever,” said Tyler Harman, senior in political science and AFROTC cadet colonel.

“Overall, our main purpose is to show respect for all MIA/POWs and show that we haven’t forgotten about them, and [POW/MIA day] is more successful each year.”

Adding to the day was a speech given to cadets by retired Navy Cmdr. Larry Spencer. Members from each of the ROTC branch were present as Spencer spoke to them about his nearly seven-year experience as a POW during the Vietnam War.

“Nobody plans on being a POW,” Spencer said. “Those things always happen to somebody else. Sometimes they don’t.”

Spencer talked about what he went through as a POW and how the POWs looked out for each other, emphasizing that all members of the U.S. military are on the same side and are “in it together,” regardless of which branch of service they are from.

“If you feel like you’re holding up all of the cares of the world, when there’s two of you, the load is only half,” Spencer said.

Spencer continued to speak of the importance of having other POWs around to help keep up spirits.

“A roommate after solitary is a guy you love; you become friends quickly,” he said.

“[It is] the ability to have someone to share your fears and ideas with. Having a roommate is very valuable.”

Timothy Bexten, senior in history and AFROTC cadet major, said that the AFROTC department has done the commemorative run in honor of POW/MIA day for approximately six years now.

“It was great having Spencer come talk to us, and to get all of the branches together to show respect for all POW/MIA [service members],” Bexten said.

In closing, Spencer reemphasized the importance of looking out for each other, saying it really helps out, as well as sharing his appreciation for the dedication of POW/MIA day.

“We all pray that you never have to go through this situation,” Spencer said. “But you never know what tomorrow holds.”