SAVE THE DATE
POW/MIA VIGIL AND FREEDOM RIDE
JUNE 14, 2012 ~ THURSDAY @ 7:00 PM
HESKY PARK MEREDITH

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

When : Third Friday of September

POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. It also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers.

The first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was July 18, 1979. It was the result of resolutions passed in Congress. The first national ceremony was held on this date. Over the next several years, it was held in varying dates of the year. Finally, in 1986, The National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September as a day to recognize and remember POW/MIAs. This date was selected, as it is not associated with any wars. Each year, the president of the United States issues a proclamation on this day.

Did you know? Federal law requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown on the following days:

• Armed Forces Day, May 16
• Memorial Day, May 25
• Flag Day, June 14
• Independence Day, July 4
• POW/MIA Day, 3rd Friday of September
• Veterans Day, Nov. 11
  
  

You will also notice the POW/MIA flag flown at all US Post office buildings, Veterans Administration, military memorial facilities, and many U.S. government buildings.

Please take a few moments today, to remember our missing soldiers, and those held as prisoners of war. Attend a ceremony in your area. Say a prayer for POWs and MIAs. Also, write to your senators and congressman to urge continued and increased effort towards bringing every service man and woman home. POW Recognition Day History

As time goes on remains are found
And another finds his way back home
After years spent lost on foreign shores
Feeling forgotten and left all alone.

But they will never be forgotten
By the Country they went off to serve
We will search until all are returned
To loved ones, the least they all deserve.

There are new ways to identify
DNA can tell, just who they may be
Those lost in those past conflicts
A Hero home, their final destiny.

War is so terrible and horrific
Worse for the POW and the MIA
All of those unaccounted for
Compounds the price they chose to pay.

Each year, we should all remember
Those we lost in the fog of War
Better yet, take a moment every day
While we appreciate what they fought for.

POW/MIA Recognition Day
Dedicated to honor their memory
For the time or life they gave
To keep this, 'The Land of the Free'.

Del 'Abe' Jones
09.13.2007

Weekly POW/MIA Vigil ~ Meredith NH

When: Every Thursday evening
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Heskey Park, Meredith, NH
Longest running continuous vigil in America.
Location is the POW Memorial in Hesky Park, Meredith NH

rjones@lrgh.org for additional information

Monthly POW/MIA VIGIL ~ Manchester, NH
When: 1st Wednesday of every month. 
Time: 7:00pm  
Where: Veterans Park on Elm Street

Weekly POW/MIA Vigil ~ Fair Haven, Vermont
When: Every Thursday evening
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Veteran's Memorial Park

We must NEVER forget!