Town Administrator Tom Mayo and Director of Veterans' Services Keith Jermyn are pleased to announce that the Town of Hingham will once again be holding a ceremony this month in recognition of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
WHEN
Friday, Sept. 16, beginning at 7 p.m.
WHERE
Hingham Harbor at Whitney Wharf, Summer Street/Route 3A.
WHAT
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday in September, by presidential proclamation. It honors missing service members and their families, and highlights the government’s commitment to account for them.
The Town of Hingham’s annual candlelight vigil will be held at the POW/MIA Memorial, and is expected to last approximately one hour. The simple stand-out draws awareness and shows solidarity for the cause.
Three local families in particular will be recognized, including the families of:
-Seaman William J. Stanton, U.S. Navy — MIA/Lost-at-Sea, 1908, Spanish American War
-Cpl. Wallace Ritter, U.S. Army — POW/MIA, 1951, Korean War
-Cpl. Christopher Orlando, U.S. Marine Corps — MIA/Lost-at-Sea, 2016, Global War on Terror.
“America’s POW/MIAs should be honored and recognized, rather than memorialized, with the focus on continuing commitment to account as fully as possible for those still missing,” Director Jermyn said. “All veterans and Gold Star families are strongly encouraged to attend this event. The general public is always welcome and invited to participate as well.
Volunteers will be on-hand to distribute glow-sticks for the vigil, while supplies last. Those planning on attending can bring their own luminary device as well.
Parking in the main lot nearest the Victory Statue (Iron Horse) is highly recommended.
The event will feature welcoming remarks from Director Jermyn, and local, state and federal officials will be invited to speak as well. The playing of Taps will also take place during the ceremony.
