Myra Miller
The VFW Post 8971 officers and auxiliary recognized and honored POW/MIA Recognition Day Friday at the VFW Post Hall.
The POW/MIA Recognition Day is held each year on the third Friday of September. The day is meant to pay special recognition to the U.S. men and women who have been held as prisoners of war and especially those who remain missing.
A table, and its setting, along with an empty chair, was used as a symbolic setting for the missing. They are commonly called POWs and MIAs.
The table symbolic setting conveys the following message, and a bell was rang after each symbol.
“This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember.”
“The tablecloth is white-symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. Remember!”
“The single red rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!”
“The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!”
“The candle, the candle is lit, symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!”
“A slice of lemon upon the bread place to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!”
“There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!”
“The glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!”
“The chair. The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!”
“Remember! All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!
“Remember! Until the day they come home, Remember!”
Representing the VFW Post 8971 and auxiliary were Donald Estillette, chaplain; Bobby Latiolais, honor guard; Alvin Wilson, senior vice commander; Gene Young, judge advocate; Carroll Ortego, honor guard; Terry Matte, quartermaster; David Crader, honor guard, sergeant at arms; Jasper Manuel, junior vice commander; Terry Fontenot, sergeant; Steve Miller, third-year trustee; Sharlene Fontenot, auxiliary chaplain; Linda Thibodeaux, auxiliary president; Moe Matte, Linda Bergeron, Chasity Crader, Tammy Young, Lynn Miller and Gloria Olivier, auxiliary.
The Ex-POWs of Eunice names mounted on monuments at the Rotary’s Fountain and VFW brick courtyard at South 2nd Street include: James J. Bollich, Marion Courville, Curley J. Daigle, Dennis A. Doucet, James LeRoy Fruge, Harold A. Gourney, Hubert McManus, John Bruce Miller and Orval L. Simpson.