News-Info-Alerts

Re: POW-MIA Vigil

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: August 17, 2002

"Weekend vigils focus on MIAs and POWs


Manuela Da Costa-Fernandes, Register Staff August 17, 2002


WEST HAVEN — Since 1966, Doris Maitland has anxiously waited for news concerning her brother, Air Force Commando Controller Andre Guillet, whose plane was shot down in Laos.

"My brother is missing and his case is active," said Maitland of Winsted. "Without vigils and support, nothing will happen." A soft-spoken, silver-haired woman, Maitland was one of more than 40 people gathered Friday at the opening vigil of the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 647, annual POW/MIA on the West Haven Green.

"The government wants to throw this under the rug," Maitland said. "Seeing all these supporters gives me hope." A candlelight ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. today, and the vigil will continue until Sunday.

Despite the humidity, 90-degree temperature and drizzle, Maitland said the crowd who braved the weather inspired her.

Eight runners led the parade. Starting at 1:30 p.m., the runners left Berlin and traveled 34 miles, reaching the West Haven Green by 7 p.m.

For seven years, Nick Pipitone of Bristol has been one of the runners. Joining him this year were his grandson and two nephews.

"I am very proud to represent POWs," said Pipitone, as beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.

The vigil is held annually to promote awareness about POWs and soldiers missing in action, said Steve Carney, co-chair of the POW Committee Chapter 647.
"The crowd is not what it used to be. It's the same old faces," Carney said, surveying the crowd. "The majority don't seem to care."

But in the face of shrinking public interest in POW/MIA issues, Carney said the local chapter was heartened by the news of finding one of their brothers' remains this year.

After being reported missing in action for almost 30 years, Major Peter Cleary's remains were found, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in April.

A fixture at the chapter's vigils, Cleary's brother, Tom, frequently traveled from Colchester to West Haven to publicize the plight of his brother and other MIAs.

Reading letters from his brother's comrades, Cleary poignantly spoke about the irony that one of the "happiest days of his life" was hearing that his brother's remains has been found.

"After 29 years, to have him home was a gift beyond measure," he said.

Manuela Da Costa-Fernandes can be reached at Mfernandes@nhregister.com , or 876-6800.

©New Haven Register 2002 "