To observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, at 9 a.m. in front of the County Courthouse on Friday, Sept. 20, Benton County veterans, loved ones, friends, and respectful citizens gathered to raise the POW/MIA flag in remembrance of Americans held captive or lost in foreign lands. Members of American Legion Post 102 hosted the event.
Annually observed on the third Friday in September, the day honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. According to the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 82,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and other conflicts.
A ceremony known as “the missing man table” to recognize service personnel who are missing or held captive has evolved since the Vietnam War, and is not currently governed by any U.S. Department of Defense or service-specific guidance. Post 102 Commander Charles Dyer led the missing man ceremony.
Post 102 Adjutant Mike Lawler spoke of how members of the American Legion recognize the sacrifices of veterans, especially those who never returned, and their families. Post 102 Chaplain G.W. Patterson concluded the event with a prayer to honor America’s POW/MIAs, for the success of U.S. efforts to account for them, and for the safety of all now serving our nation.
All Americans should never forget the brave men and women who served the cause of freedom, especially those who were imprisoned or never found. Our service members will ever strive to leave no one behind.
