A ceremony recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action is scheduled for later this week at The Temple.
Monday through Saturday has been designated by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly as POW/MIA Recognition Week, with Friday being POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Chapter No. 809 of the Vietnam Veterans of America plans to conduct a POW/MIA ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday at The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe Avenue. Please enter on the north side of the building through the red door. Coffee and doughnuts will be served.
In information provided by The Temple, veteran Jim Deister wrote the following.
The United States has been involved in many wars, and evidence, documentation, and testimony continue to raise questions regarding the fate of American service personnel listed as Missing in Action or Prisoners of War. The whereabouts and fates of many Americans who were “known to be alive on the ground" or “known to be captive in enemy hands,” but not yet returned, and information regarding these Missing in Action personnel has not been made available to the American people, and a full accounting of has not been made regarding over 40 service personnel from Kansas. Salina’s own Dennis Pugh and Robert L. Standerwick of nearby Mankato, Kansas are two of these. The POW/MIA flag is flown daily at the State Capitol and at many other state, city, local, and Post Offices across the State of Kansas in recognition of these service personnel. It is compelling that we residents of Kansas do not forget these service personnel.