By PAT LAUTEN

"AN OVERWHELMING CRY FROM A UNITED AMERICA CAN ENSURE THE SAFE RETURN OF THESE MEN." The men mentioned in this quote are prisoners of war (P.O.W.'s) and missing in action (M.I.A.'s).

They are men that are lost to their families, friends, and all too often in the thoughts and prayers of America.

But on all those Christmas mornings, did you ever stop to think about the men in Vietnam and what kind of a Christmas Day is it for them?

"Imagine, if you can, the hell in which they exist. Think of the smallest room in your house. In your mind strip it of all furnishings. Turn off the heat and air conditioning. Black out its only window, except for a tiny area across the top.

"You have built a cell. Put yourself inside it, and imagine that you must stay there day after day after day for years on end, living in lonely uncertainty and dread, barred from your loved ones, always hungry, steadily deteriorating in mind and body." ‑ Reader's Digest, April '71.

There are many ways in which we, as concerned Americans, can show we care. Steel or copper bracelets are being distributed by VIVA (Voices in Vital America) at a charge of $2.50 or $3.00 (for copper) each. The bracelets are

inscribed with the name of the P.O.W./M.I.A. and the date he was lost. The bracelets are worn with the vow that they will not be taken off until the man is returned to his family.

Also, letters to our congressmen, governor, and state officials as well as the President of North Vietnam and other top officials of their government show not only our government but Hanoi as well that the American people care. Preprinted letters requiring only the name and address of the sender and his congressman are available through VIVA.

There are several P.0W.! M.I.A. offices in the Chicago area where information concerning active involvement in the organization can be obtained. Unite for P.O.W./M.I.A. Inc. is located at 43 East Ohio Street in Chicago and the Illinois Chapter National League of Families is on Randolph at the Lake. Both organizations distribute bumper stickers, letters, and buttons free of charge.

So this Christmas when you rush to open your presents and see the smiling faces of your family ‑ stop. Think. Think about the 1,600 prisoners who have no Christmas presents and who see no smiling faces at Christmastime. For once in your life, get involved. Don't leave them to rot and die. "YOU ARE AN AMERICAN. YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE."