Historical Highlight for August 27, 2023
Historical Highlight for August 27, 2023 ��� ���The Release Process��� – here’s a short historical fact from the history of the Vietnam war and the POW experience shared in the new Captured by Love book:
���The massive Christmas bombing of 1972 brought a quick end to the war. On January 21, 1973, we assembled in the prison yards, where the Rabbit read the release protocol from the Peace Agreement. We would be released over the next 60 days, with the first group departing Hanoi on February 12, 1973.
���Air Force C-141s (which we dubbed the Hanoi Taxis) were there to take us directly to Clark Air Base, in the Philippines. Celebrations began the instant the airplane broke ground, and there were more cheers when the pilot announced: ���We are now feet wet!��� which meant we were over international waters. During that flight, we smoked cigars, hugged the nurses, and sat in the cockpit to see the skies. We were free at last.
���When we landed, to our amazement there was a huge crowd of military families and personnel cheering wildly as we stepped off the aircraft. We were bussed to the base hospital where we changed into hospital outfits and headed to the cafeteria. We ate steak and eggs (one friend ate two dozen eggs) and then heaps of ice cream. During the next 48 hours we called home, had a physical, got a haircut and a new uniform.
���In the months prior to our release, medical experts concluded that, due to expected psychological problems, we should be isolated for at least two weeks of treatment and observation. Thankfully, Secretary Laird directed a flexible approach; the decision would be based on the state of each POW. And because of his wonderful wisdom, we all climbed aboard those Hanoi Taxis and headed home in less than three days.
���The American public welcomed us with open arms and parades and an outpouring of support. It was like waves of love coming at us from all directions. It certainly helped us in our adjustment back to the real world. Sadly, this was not the case for many who fought in that war.���
Purchase your copy of ���Captured by Love��� at powromance.com.
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