Their courage carried them through years of captivity. Their strength and resolve became symbols of American perseverance. On Friday, September 19, the National Naval Aviation Museum will honor the unwavering spirit of U.S. prisoners of war from the Vietnam War with the grand opening of Return with Honor, a powerful new exhibit dedicated to their stories of survival, sacrifice, and hope.
The commemorative ceremony, held in the Blue Angels Atrium, invites the community to come together in remembrance and reflection. Beginning with pre-event entertainment by the Pensacola Symphony Brass at 9:30 a.m., the official program will start at 10 a.m., featuring personal testimonies from men who endured unimaginable hardships yet never gave up faith in their country or their comrades:
- Captain John C. Ensch, USN (Ret.)
- Captain Michael McGrath, USN (Ret.)
- Commander Everett Alvarez, USN (Ret.)
Adding the perspective of families who carried the weight of waiting and advocating back home, Kathy Ensch will speak on behalf of the National League of POW/MIA Families.
Following the tribute, guests will witness the unveiling of the Return with Honor exhibit in Hangar Bay One. Designed as an immersive experience, it brings to life the resilience and humanity of America’s Vietnam War POWs, ensuring their legacy will endure for generations to come…