Vets hold POW/MIA remembrance ceremony
RUSSELLVILLE – Local veterans who are members of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion held an inaugural Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) ceremony Friday outside the courthouse.
Randy Mancell, commander of VFW Post 5184, and Lt. Col. Grant Atkins, commander of American Legion Post 64, led the observance.
They set up the traditional “Missing Man Table,” a symbolic display used since the end of the Vietnam War to honor POWs and those missing in action.
Mancell described the symbolism of each element.
The small table represents the frailty of one prisoner alone, set against overwhelming odds. The white cloth signifies the purity of their intentions in answering the nation’s call to arms.
A single rose in the vase honors the bloodshed in sacrifice to ensure freedom and reminds families and friends to keep the faith while awaiting the return of their loved ones. The red ribbon tied around the vase symbolizes the continued remembrance of comrades still unaccounted for.
Salt sprinkled on the plate represents the countless tears shed by families as they wait. The inverted glass shows they cannot join in a toast today. The empty chair stands as a stark reminder that they are not here.
A lit candle reflects the light of hope, which lives on in the hearts of those who believe they may yet return. The American flag reminds all present of those who may never come home, having paid the supreme sacrifice for the nation’s freedom.
The ceremony also included a prayer asking that people never forget the sacrifices made, and that hope remains for those who have not returned home.
“It’s to honor the many military personnel who were prisoners of war or missing in action,” Mancell said. “It’s an honor to be able to come out here today and remember their sacrifice and service to our nation.”
Miller pointed out thousands remain missing.
Johnny Pounders added while the day is marked nationwide, this was the first time Russellville veterans had participated locally. He announced plans to bring “Wreaths Across America” to Franklin County on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The nationwide program places wreaths on veterans’ graves to honor their service. He pointed out Red Bay’s effort has grown to include more than 700 decorated graves.
Mancell also reminded the community about the upcoming Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. in Russellville. He encouraged people to arrive by 10 a.m., when local veterans plan to lay flowers at the memorial ahead of the parade.
