Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

They marched 24 hours last week for the years families have waited for their loved ones to return home.

Miami University ROTC students performed a march at the Oxford Uptown Park as part of National POW/MIA Recognition Day Friday. All across the country military units participated in the special day.

With a POW/MIA flag flapping in the wind, Miami students executed a march modeled off the ceremony used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. ROTC students took turns during a 24-hour span patrolling the area between Thursday and Friday last week.

"I think it's the best thing we've done all year," said sophomore Bryan Dukes, who is in the Air Force ROTC. "This is something to recognize those who served and to give back to our country."

In years past, Miami ROTC students have only marched for a few hours. But this year's organizer decided to extend the event. Brittany Brewer explained she brainstormed the idea after learning neighboring ROTC units marched for 24 hours.

The Miami event was organized through the Arnold Air Society, a service organization within the Air Force ROTC that contributes to the community. According to Brewer, the Arnold Air Society takes part in Oxford food drives, Halloween events and the VFW Voice of America contest.

Brewer, who is a senior, has heard accounts of soldiers going off to war and being captured by the enemy. The stories have touched her.

"A lot of people hear the stories, and they say that's the war of the old days, but I know for myself these men and women have withstood an amazing thing for their country," Brewer said. "Knowing that I may have to do that, it's good to know there are others that have gone before and withstood it."

Taking 15-minute shifts for two hours Friday, Dukes and senior Tyler Hess were two of many students participating in the event in Oxford to help honor those who were POWs or MIA.

"All across the country many ROTC units are doing it," Hess said. "... When you hear the stories it makes it more important to remember."

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are more than 30,000 living former prisoners of war in the United States. POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of six days throughout the year Congress has mandated the flying of the POW/MIA flag.

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or jgiordano@coxohio.com.