News-Info-Alerts

Re: Ceremony Honors Those Still Missing

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Date: October 08, 2002

"Ceremony honors those still missing

By: Jesse Munn, Staff Writer

The words "You Are Not Forgotten" adorned the black flag, in memory of soldiers left behind.

Willow Grove VFW Post 3612 recognized the sixth anniversary of the National Prisoners of War and Missing In Action Awareness Day Sept. 20.

Officer of the Day Ralph Storti said the ceremony was for their comrades who have never come home.

"Before you is the flag of the United States, the symbol of our country for which our missing comrades are still suffering and dying," Storti said to the gathered members of the VFW and its ladies' auxiliary club.

"They must remain alive in our minds and hearts until we know they have returned home to their loved ones or until they are held in the bosom of our Father," he said.

Following the presentation of colors, including the black POW-MIA flag, VFW officers laid red, white and blue carnations on an altar. Red is for gallantry and sacrifice, white for purity of purpose and blue for the missing soldier's love of flag and country.

Members of the ladies' auxiliary placed 12 yellow carnations on the altar in tribute.

Ladies' auxiliary Treasurer Phyllis Cerino said she presented a yellow carnation in tribute to the endurance of POWs.

"We have a couple of men who have been prisoners of war," Phyllis said. "It's awful what some of them had to go through."

A branch of evergreen symbolizing an undying love for missing comrades, and a black laurel wreath of remembrance were also presented with short speeches from the VFW chaplain and commander.

Commander Fred Seigfried said the black wreath was "for those missing comrades who have gone to their final reward."

At the end of the ceremony, Chaplain Louis Cerino led the group in a prayer for the memory of all missing soldiers. The assembly stood at attention for the national anthem and retirement of the colors.

Vietnam veteran Michael Dunn led the color guard. A former staff sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corp, Dunn said the awareness day makes sure the soldiers are never forgotten and gives recognition for the losses of families.

"Being a Vietnam veteran myself, I still worry about all the guys still over there."

©Montgomery Newspapers 2002"