A Salute to the MIA/ POW You are Not Forgotten …

By Joanie Allbee

VFW Saugus Post 2346 at 190C Main St. last Friday (Sept. 19) night held a Vigil for those Missing in Action and Prisoners of War (MIA/POW). Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti (Captain, USN Retired) led the annual ceremonies to make certain our MIA/POW are not forgotten. Captain Castinetti called on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs of Lynn’s & Salem’s Marines and Peabody’s Air Force Cadets to assist with ceremonies. Sgt. Major John W. Sumner (Marines) and Sgt. Major Jose Beato (Marines) and Peabody Air Force instructors proudly watched their cadets’ perfect timing and cadence execution. All Military flags were paraded and carried to the front by JROTC to represent all Military services present.

Captain Castinetti narrated with sorrow the Missing Man/Fallen Comrade Table ceremony as the JROTC displayed each table item:

Round table: represents the everlasting concern for those who are missing.

Empty chair: the missed absence of those unable to sit at table.

White tablecloth: purity of motives to answer the call of duty.

Black napkin: the emptiness the warrior left behind in the hearts that ache for them to return.

Single red rose in a vase: the life of each person who is MIA/POW; also blood shed for freedom.

Lemon placed on a bread plate: The MIA/POW‘s life, bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

Salt: sprinkled on the bread plate representing countless tears shed from those who are waiting for loved ones’ returns.

Inverted glass: symbolizes the inability of the missing to share a toast with comrades.

Candle: the light of hope for a safe return. And the black ribbon tied around the candle for the mourning of those who will not be coming home.

A moment of silence to reflect that you are not forgotten.

The JROTC gave a powerful salute.

Let us never forget them … the POW/MIA

President Jimmy Carter established POW/MIA Recognition Day in 1979, a day to think and to never forget those who stood up to defend our Country and who are now left alone and lost while families still hope and cry for their return.

The MIA/POW missing man ceremony started at the end of the Vietnam War and continues every third week in September. This ceremony is performed at Military bases and throughout organizations to express the honorable MIA/POW quote “You are not forgotten.”