Dear Editor,
POW/MIA Recognition Day, in honor and memory of the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, will be observed on Sept. 21. It honors all American POW/MIA’s still missing from either the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or civilians.
In 1979 the first commemoration held to honor America’s POW/MIA, those returned from war and those still missing and unaccounted for was held. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is now held the third Friday of September. Local POW/MIA ceremonies are encouraged throughout recognitions week Sept. 16-22.
In 1989, an official league flag, which had flown over the White House the previous year on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, was installed in the Capitol Rotunda. It still flies there today....the only flag ever displayed in the Rotunda.
As a constant reminder or the plight of America’s POW/MIA’s, is a highly visible symbol. It is also the only flag other than Old Glory that has ever flown over the White House.
“Bright Light” is the code used to signify a returning prisoner of war. This being our goal, we can show our support by keeping our car headlights on while driving to and from work, shopping or traveling or whenever you are in your vehicle during POW/MIA Recognition week.
Continue the bright light by keeping your porch light on, a candle in the window or your driveway lighted. Attach a red streamer to your American or POW/MIA flag. We have the freedom to “remember”, so let us spread the word to others and remember them until they are all accounted for.
A “Missing Man” table with a place setting (plate, silverware, inverted glass and napkin), a single rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon a Bible, a candle and a chair stands empty to express “his” absence, is set up in the lobby of the VFW Post Home commemorating the POW/MIA program.
Everyone be sure to fly your American and POW/MIA flags.
Thelma Hipp
Americanism Chairperson
Morrison-McFadden VFW Post 3111 and its Ladies Auxiliary