POW/MIA Recognition During September

Members of the VFW Russell T. Scott Post 5993 along with the Ladies Auxiliary were host to a Table Ceremony at Ava City Hall Thursday, Sept. 6.  The Table Ceremony is a symbolic observance honoring the military service of prisoners of war and those missing in action.  The ceremony recognizes their sacrifice by acknowledging they are not present and deeply missed.  The ceremony was facilitated by Post Commander Scott Huffman, below right, and Tommy Roberts, adjutant, below left.  

The Table Ceremony above shows an empty chair and unused table service depicting the missing military veterans who have passed from every day life. Those attending the ceremony in the top photo were, from left, Mayor David Norman, Adjutant Tommy Roberts, Judge Advocate Gene Clark, Post Commander Huffman, Chaplain Chris Lizotte; Ladies Auxiliary President Robin Reinartz; Secretary Mary Engle, and Treasurer Irene Cornelison.  During the presentation, Commander Huffman provided information noting the following statistics for military personnel missing in action: World War II, 73,128; Korean War, 7,801; Vietnam, 1,618; Cold War, 126; and Iraq and other conflicts, 6 –– for a total of 82,678.  Huffman said the table display will remain at City Hall throughout the month of September.