Employees from Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) and Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, came together to recognize and honor prisoners of war and those still missing in action during the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, Sept. 15.

"Ceremonies such as this one not only allow us to show our appreciation and gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much serving our country, but also allow us the opportunity to shed light on such an important observance," said Capt. David Rhone, NAVSUP WSS deputy commander for aviation, during his opening remarks.

Following the opening remarks, former Vietnam War POW and Philadelphia native Ralph Galati, guest speaker for the ceremony, shared his compelling story. He recounted his time as a POW for 14 months in Vietnam's notorious Hanoi Hilton prison.

"We lived in a cement room with no windows and no lights. It was complete solitude; separated from your comrades and reality. Toilet gone, food gone, uniform gone, freedom gone. Our only constants were isolation and fear, beatings, starvation and interrogations," said Galati.

Galati was repatriated on March 28, 1973 and returned to his wife and daughter, who he was meeting for the first time since he had been held in captivity when she was born.

Galati ended his remarks with a gracious thank you and a quote by Isaac Newton, "If I have seen further than others, it was by standing on the shoulders of giants."

The ceremony concluded with the reading of a moving narrative, entitled "Reflections of Vietnam" written by Vietnam War veteran and former NAVSUP WSS employee Mack Tisdale, who received a standing ovation from the audience.

"All of our experiences in Vietnam were different as each of us are different, but nevertheless, each of us are one in the same. We have all made some sacrifices. All of our fallen comrades have made the ultimate sacrifice. Past, present and future, we are Vietnam Veterans."

The annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony is sponsored by the Philadelphia Compound Veterans Committee. PCVC, with members from NAVSUP WSS, Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, and NSA Philadelphia, fosters an environment of respect and support for the sacrifices of veterans and active duty military personnel worldwide through various ceremonies and educational programs.

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP WSS is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager, providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, and joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.

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