WHITE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The American Legion, Carl D. Archer Post 528 of White Township, held a ceremony Friday, Sept. 18, to commemorate National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day.
The ceremony was held at the POW/MIA memorial at Oscar Unangst Memorial Fields on Route 519 in White Township. Warren County Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski attended the ceremony.
The Warren County Board of County Commissioners had proclaimed Sept. 19 as a day of remembrance to demonstrate the country’s continued commitment to the POW/MIA issue during its Sept. 9 meeting.
The proclamation was read and presented to members of the American Legion during the Recognition Day ceremony.
“In Warren County, on this day of heartache and of resolve, let us offer strength to the families still waiting for the return of their loved ones. Let us extend our gratitude to Americans and international partners working tirelessly to bring home our missing service members from prior wars and conflicts. And let us remember that freedom is never free, that democracy always requires champions, and that we owe an eternal debt to the heroes of our Armed Forces,” part of the commissioners’ proclamation stated.
POW/MIA Recognition Day is a time to pay tribute to members of the military who were imprisoned on foreign soil and endured brutal treatment, as well as those who remain missing. Approximately 80,000 service members remain missing, according to the information provided by the county.
Warren County flies the POW/MIA flag alongside the American flag. The distinctive black-and-white banner bears the words, “You Are Not Forgotten.”
