Submitted by OC O’Connor
Nationally, the third Friday of September is designated as POW/MIA Recognition Day to honor those U.S. service members that are either prisoners of war or still missing in action. This day is one of only six days which Congress mandates the flying of the POW/MIA Flag; the others days are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Americans across the country will pause to recall the U.S. service members who never came home, either living or dead.
On Sunday, September 20, Bedford’s American Legion Post 0221 will host an Empty Chair Ceremony in honor and recognition of the nation’s POWs and MIAs starting at 3 pm at the American Legion Hall, 357 The Great Road.
Many local dignitaries groups are expected to participate including the American Legion Riders of Waltham, Burlington and Cambridge; Bedford’s VFW Post 1628; Bedford’s Patriotic Holiday Committee; and Boy Scout Troop 194 of Bedford, with assistance from the Bedford Police Department, and the American Legion family of Post 0221.
Across our nation, over 7,900 Service members from the wars in Korea and Vietnam remain unaccounted for. More than 78,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from World War II. More recently, even 3 remain in POW or MIA status from the Gulf War.
Until July 18, 1979, no commemoration was held to honor POW/MIAs. In that first year, Congress passed resolutions and the national ceremony was held at the National Cathedral in Washington. Every year, National POW/MIA Recognition Day legislation was introduced until 1985, when Congress determined that commemorative days would no longer be considered. The president now signs a proclamation each year.
These words from the official American Legion Empty Chair Ceremony are powerful reminders to us all: “We call them comrades. They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and to bear witness to their continued absence…….. for those who have served [and their families], and those currently serving in the uniformed services of the United States, are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice.”
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