POW/MIA Affairs

President Bush spoke about government efforts to learn more about servicemen still listed as missing in action. He answered no questions. Dissatisfied members of the audience created a disturbance lasting about five minutes during President Bush’s speech, challenging President Bush’s commitment to learning the truth about POW/MIAs. Audience members holding signs and pictures of missing POW/MIAs shouted “no more lies” during the President’s speech. He stopped speaking and stepped to the side of the podium while photographers and secret service agents moved in front of the demonstrators. When the President resumed speaking, he sternly asked a still-shouting demonstrator “Would you please shut up and sit down?” Following the speech, the demonstrators shouted “Fire Scowcroft” as the President left. The speech was part of the 23rd annual meeting of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, held in an Arlington hotel. close