LITTLETON — Remembering who returned home and who did not, is what members and guests of American Legion Post 425 in Littleton did in a ceremony honoring soldiers who were Prisoners Of War and Missing In Action.

(Use arrows above to view more photos) Advertisement

“Those who have served are ever mindful of the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” said Post 425 Commander Alan Burtchell, adding “We pause to remember the POWs and MIAs.”

The ceremony began with the presentation of the black-and-white POW/MIA flag. The flag’s motto, “You are not forgotten,” served as the ceremony’s central theme.

Legionnaire Horace Knight presented the POW MIA empty chair, a small table with a white tablecloth, an inverted glass and a rose. “The rose reminds us of their loved ones and families,” Knight said. “And the faith they keep of their return.” Knight explained the chair and glass as well, “The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us today. The chair is empty; they are not here.” Knight concluded his presentation with an exhortation to the group, “Let us remember, never let us forget their sacrifice.”

Guest speaker Dallas Jones, a Pearl Harbor survivor and founder of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Center in Roanoke Rapids, followed Knight.

He began by saying such ceremonies are “important to me as an American and whose brother was taken prisoner and held for two years.” Jones added his brother’s captivity had a profound effect on the family, but they knew it was necessary. “No matter how painful it was,” Jones said, “It was part of the necessary sacrifice to preserve our freedom.”

“Thankfully my brother survived and was released at the end of the war,” Jones added. Jones concluded his speech with a pledge. “I pledge to always be an advocate for our POWs and MIAs.”

Mikes Reaves, Past American Veterans State Commander, followed Jones and discussed the reality every American conflict has produced POWs and MIAs, and asserted Americans owe these soldiers. “Those who have been held as POWs ... we owe them more than the average person. We owe it to them to be faithful ... to their service. We must ... stand guard against those who would forget.”

Kay Johnson and Helen Burtchell of the 425 Auxiliary read the names of North Carolinians still Missing In Action, while Addie Ford and Alice Knight lit candles to correspond to the names. After a prayer, the gathering moved outside to release balloons to remember those whose names had been read.