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POW/MIA Program held at VFW Post 7447

October 1, 2013

The Rehoboth VFW Post 7447 members and its Ladies and Men's Auxiliaries honored Prisoners of War and Missing in Action military in a somber ceremony held Sept. 20. More than 75 members and guests, including 25 Ladies Auxiliary members and two youths, attended to honor those who could no longer be part of their ranks.

President Barack Obama named the third Friday in September as a day to honor POWs and MIAs whose families still wonder about where they are and if they are still alive, or if their remains will ever be returned.

Every week, the VFW Washington Weekly lists the names of one, two, or three of those whose remains have been newly identified from wars of long ago - World War II, Korea, Vietnam. Recently, there were two 18-year-olds from California and West Virginia who fought in the Korean War whose remains were identified.

One was missing in action in 1950 at the Chosin Reservoir. The other was captured and in a prisoner of war camp in North Korea; he died in the camp in July 1951. The search is ongoing, and the VFW believes that no one should be left behind, and all families should have closure...knowledge of what happened to their loved ones.

The post adjutant prepared the ceremony, presented by the post quartermaster, chaplain, and junior vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary. The importance of remembering this sacred day, and the meaning of the POW/MIA flag as well as the meaning of each item on a table set for those who could not be present brought a sad heart and somber mood to those attending. The group was led in prayer, and a salute to the flag ended the event.

Those present know, more than most, how much they were willing to give, and how much others have given, in honor of this country.

 

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