POW/MIA Day at the Cemetery Saturday (09/24/2016)

CEREMONY TO HONOR TEXAS’ MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
 
A ceremony to honor and remember 104 Texans Missing In Action in Vietnam will be held at the Texas State Cemetery on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  The event is free and open to the public.
 
The ceremony is organized by Vietnam Veterans of America Capitol of Texas Chapter 915 as part of the national commemoration of the American Armed Forces and civilian personnel who have been held prisoner or are unaccounted for as a result of Vietnam service.
 
“The POW/MIA Ceremony memorializes those Texans still Missing In Action from the Vietnam War.  As we remember and honor those who are not with us on this day, we note that dying is not the worst that can happen to our brothers in arms; being forgotten is,” said John Miterko, event organizer.
 
The centerpiece of the ceremony that includes traditional military honors and a reading of the names of 104 military personnel and three civilians missing in Vietnam is a symbolic “Missing Man Table Ceremony” set with one place and an inverted glass as a reminder that those lost are not forgotten.  Each element on the table, including the colors of items used, is symbolic.
 
The Texas State Cemetery is located at 909 Navasota Street in Austin. The ceremony will be held near the Medal of Honor obelisk.
 
National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies are held throughout the nation and around the world on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, and at schools, churches, and national veteran and civic organizations in or around National POW/MIA Day September 16th.