Senior US officials, Americans who had returned from detention abroad and loved ones of those who have yet to come home gathered in front of the US State Department as a new flag was raised ahead of the nation’s first-ever Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
“This is a solemn day,” Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Friday as he stood before the flag, bearing the words “bring them home” and dozens of tally marks.
“Today’s ceremony is a solemn recognition of those who have returned home, those who regrettably never will, and those still being held captive abroad,” he said, adding that it was “an opportunity to recommit ourselves – to truly recommit ourselves – to stand united against the scourge of hostage diplomacy, and to reaffirm the principles of peace, justice and human dignity for all.”
“The State Department will solemnly raise the flag each year and whenever a hostage or wrongfully detained returns from abroad or dies in captivity,” Campbell said.
Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day will be annually recognized on March 9 – the date on which former FBI agent Robert Levinson was abducted in Iran 17 years ago. Levinson is believed to have died in Iran. His family members are strong advocates for the hostage and detainee community, and legislation on wrongful detention has been named in his honor.
Speaking outside the State Department Friday, Campbell vowed to the loved ones of those still held abroad: “The United States government is with you and we will work tirelessly until you are reunited with your loved ones.”
However, for some, the message rang hollow. As the years have gone by with few apparent updates and little to no public acknowledgment by the US government, these families say they fear that their loved ones cases’ are not…
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