The Northeast POW/MIA Network
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Welcome to the NH Chapter of the Northeast POW/MIA Network. Our goal is simple; heighten public awareness to the plight of American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
The goals of our organization are coincident with those of activists nationwide in our approach to the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action issue: the return of all LIVE American POW/MIAs, repatriation of the remains of those who have not survived, and comprehensive explanations for cases where the previous two options do not exist. Our efforts are directed toward the most acceptably complete resolution of this issue for all conflicts, coupled with endeavors to establish an awareness in our Country that will reduce such losses to the lowest possible level during present and future operations against American’s enemies.
Activism in this arena must be multifaceted with great attention paid to establishing and maintaining physical reminders of the issue’s continued significance. Symbolism in the form of the international logo’s appearance on flags, pins, decals, articles of clothing, and accessories bolsters awareness. Wearing POW/MIA bracelets honors those individuals who still wait and, effectively, evokes conversations on the issue with both the novice and initiated. Strongest of those visual messages has been provided by weekly POW/MIA Vigils maintained, uninterrupted, every Thursday night in Meredith, New Hampshire (since August, 1989) and Fair Haven, Vermont (since August, 1993). Conversations addressing every facet of the issue are held. Discussion and debate are encouraged in this forum, which is open to all.
We are actively involved in acquiring, assimilating, and disseminating information on this issue. Presentations and discussions with community organizations, schools, veterans’ organizations, and through a broad spectrum of events allow us to convey evidence, both factual and anecdotal, and our concerns to the public. We are actively involved in the legislative process, as we attempt to provide maximum protection for those who serve our Country, and for their families and loved ones should loss occur. We attempt to address the needs of families and returned POW/MIAs, and assist in coordinating activities with associated groups and promoting effective, efficient information flow.
We are a completely volunteer organization, veterans and non-veterans, using awareness, communication, education, legislation, and compassion to assuage the pain associated with one of the most devastating outcomes of service to one’s Country. As we honor POW/MIAs, returned and still waiting to come home, we aggressively pursue means to return the missing and protect those serving. |
The Vigil
Every Thursday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. E.D.T. people gather in Hesky Park, located in Meredith, New Hampshire, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. The Thursday evening Vigils started in August of 1989 in an effort to raise awareness about the abandonment of Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The first Vigil lasted 15 minutes; one minute to symbolize each year since the US State Department declared, "There are no more prisoners in Southeast Asia. They are all dead." The vigil now spans 32 minutes.
 The Meredith POW/MIA Vigil is believed to be the longest consecutively-held vigil in the United States. There has never been a Thursday night Vigil unattended since its inception. Attendance ranges from 3-4 in the depths of winter to approximately 2000 during Motorcycle Week in June which features the Freedom Ride. Vigil goers have weathered rain, sleet, snow, hail, thunder, lightning, and even temperatures of -37 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Meredith Vigil continues. It stands as a pillar of truth, honor, credibility, integrity, and loyalty in the northeast. Those who stand the Vigil believe the words closure and healing should never replace the words responsibility and loyalty.
Letters from War ~ The song itself tells of a young man going off to fight in a war. His mother writes daily, and
he writes back. One day in December, she gets a letter
from a fellow soldier that her son was captured by
the enemy while saving him.
POW/MIA
For as long as we have Wars
And we send our Young to fight
We’ll have Those who are Missing
And the POWs plight.
All People of this Nation
Have this Duty to fulfill.
We must keep Them in our thoughts
And, We must have the Will
To bring every One home
And do all we can to find
All those POW/MIAs
And leave NO Souls behind.
History of the POW/MIA Ribbon
History of the POW Medal
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