By PAT BLASSIE

It has been 26 years since my father, mother, two sisters, brother and I learned that my brother, Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Blassie, was shot down while flying a fighter plane in Vietnam. Yet I would venture to say that his death affects my family more now than on that unforgettable day in May 1972 when we were told he had been killed.

Let it be known right here and now - Michael Blassie is not unknown. He is a hero, a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, and he belongs home. That's why it's so important to my family that the Tomb of the Unknowns be exhumed so we can put to rest once and for all what happened to Michael.

When asked, "Why is it important to bring this small amount of remains, just six bones, home to rest?" my dear mother, Jean, answers, "Because he's my son! I loved him. I still love him. He's in our hearts, and he should be home with us."

Yet this matter goes deeper than the Blassie family's desire. It goes to the very core of our nation. As a country, we stand for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many have fought and died to insure that the American people enjoy these privileges. It's only right to do everything we can to recognize them and return them to their loved ones.

My family's saga started when Michael expressed interest in attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. We were so proud when he was accepted to the academy. It was there that his love for flying began.

After the academy, Michael went to flight school at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. He wanted to fly the F-4 but had to settle for his second choice, the A-37 attack aircraft. We really didn't know the difference, or care. All we knew is that someone we loved was an Air Force pilot, and a good one. We were so proud.

Then he was off to Vietnam in January 1972. It was very sad to see Michael get on that commercial aircraft heading toward unknown territory. Our father, George, broke down that day. The rest of us just watched in the background knowing this was a major step for our family but not truly knowing there would be such had hitting consequences.

Words can't express how stunned we were to learn of Michael's death. It was an event that changed our lives forever.

A year later, the Air Force dedicated a building at Columbus AFB - a building where young men who remind me of my brother learn to become pilots - Blassie Hall in Michael's memory. Truly, that made us very proud. You see, it's one thing for us to think highly of our exceptional family member. It's another when the Air Force confirmed what we knew to be true, that Michael was extremely special, talented and a fine Air Force officer.

After the dedication, we all went about our lives quietly, tucking away the empty feeling of Michael being gone, with the understanding that he would probably never be returned to us.

Then, nearly 25 years later, we were shown U.S. documents stating that in October 1972, five months after Michael was shot down, remains were found near the crash site with his identification card, money, ejection seat, portions of his flight suit and parachute, along with his life raft, holster and compass - all the things an A-37 pilot would carry. The documents revealed, and the government confirmed, that those remains are indeed the very ones that were selected for internment in the Tomb of the Unknowns.

This information hit us with such force, it was as if no time had passed since Michael's death. The Blassie family knew it was time to take action. Michael would have expected no less of us.

Exhuming the Tomb of the Unknowns isn't something the Blassie family takes lightly. The monument is central to remembering the price paid for our freedom. It is hallowed ground. Yet this shouldn't stand in the way of any family who only wants an answer.

It's time to put Michael Blassie to rest.

Pat Blassie is Michael's youngest sister.