Iowa State is joining in on a national recognition of America’s men and women who are or have been prisoners of war or missing in action during their military duty. ISU Air Force ROTC, Arnold Air Society and SilverWings are sponsoring several activities to kick off the POW/MIA Recognition Day, including a run to carry the POW/MIA flag from the State Capitol to the Memorial Union. “Across the country, military units, veterans and family groups, as well as civilian communities observe the day in different ways,” said Mike Hanson, Arnold Air Society commander. Local activities start today at the War Memorial near the Capitol in Des Moines and will continue Saturday at the Iowa State-Iowa football game. Ryan Ambrose, ISU president of SilverWings, said it is important to honor POWs and MIAs. “These men and women dedicated their lives to our country and they need to be recognized for their gallantry in making the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ambrose, senior in management information systems. Secretary of State Chet Culver is opening today’s ceremonies by reading the official proclamation at 9 a.m. today outside the State Capitol. Following the reading, participating runners will depart from the Capitol. Additional runners will be waiting at the Des Moines city limits, Ankeny, Huxley and Ames city limits to run the flag to campus. The runners will complete their trek at the Memorial Union, and the flags will be hung in the Gold Star Room at 2:15 p.m. A short ceremony, including a speech by the SilverWings president, a parade of caps and a retreat with the tri-service color guard will begin at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, a POW/MIA hot air balloon sponsored by Freedom Flight will be tethered early in the morning, prior to the Iowa State-Iowa football game. ESPN will provide pre-game coverage of the balloon. Public participation in all events is encouraged to recognize the missing men and women.