Edgar A. Tieman

THE SEARCHERS

Their mission, to bring them home
That is their greatest reward
From the Mekong Delta to north of Hanoi
And everything in between they search

They are sons, brothers, and fathers
With lives, families, and buddies
That was once a living breathing person

They became friends with each MIA
They are not just a name with a *Refno!
They are a real person with a real name
They became their missing brothers
That they never touched or had seen until found

Before them folders lay named for each
Pictures and documents of each filled
A detailed story of their life
And a portrayal of their last flight

Choking heat, and incessant insects;
Persistent sweat drenched cloths
Clinging to their skin like a leech
Sucking their strength a drop at a time

Through valleys, jungle and up hills
Their flight paths with optimism
They followed one step at a time

Trying to find the footprints they left
Putting their lives at risk each time
Each making the ultimate sacrifice
To bring each one home for closure

Tears of sadness they have cried
During defeat but never gave up!
Tears of joy they have cried
When a missing brother is found
Then return him to his families waiting arms
That changed the *Cross-to a Diamond
On the long black granite wall of home

Are the MIA’s alone?
Not as long as we remember.

Author’s Note: When you visit The Wall in Washington, DC, after many names that are etched onto the black granite, you will see an engraved Cross or a Diamond. The Cross depicts an unaccounted for MIA/POW that is reformed into a diamond when the remains are found and brought home.

*Refno, is a number that is given each MIA. *The Cross-to a Diamond, on the wall each MIA a cross is placed behind his name and when found the Cross is changed to a Diamond.