Thursday, Sept. 17, is Constitution Day. This is the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. This document established the framework for the U.S. government and guaranteed the rights of U.S. citizens. Find a quiet corner, get a cup of coffee or your favorite soda, and a snack. Then read the United States constitution. You may learn something new or remember things you have forgotten.
Friday, Sept. 18 is National POW/MIA Day. In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It honors those who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who are still missing in action (MIA).
The number of MIA’s still out there are
World War II-71,680
Korean War-7,355
Vietnam War-1,565
Cold War-126
Gulf Wars-6
North Carolina still has these missing:
World War II-1,282
Korean War-179
Vietnam-38
This is another Remembrance Day that is being forgotten more and more. If we don’t make it a point to think of these 80,732 people, they will be forgotten. The families will still be searching for answers. Families will be waiting for their loved one to come home.
On Friday at 8:30 a.m. the Veterans Memorial Park of America will be remembering and have our annual ceremony. The public is invited to come by the POW/MIA chair as we host the Table Ceremony and
Remember all 80,732 still missing. We will never forget!
Sept. 27 is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day, when we remember our mothers who lost a child in active duty military service.
The tradition began during World War I, when Grace Darling Seibold, lost her aviator son, George Vaughn Seibold. She formed the American Gold Star Mothers in 1928 to unite grieving mothers in mutual support. In 1936 (90 years ago) Congress formalized the day creating a national moment to honor the ultimate sacrifice of service members.
The observance of Gold Star families shows the resilience and courage of their families. Let this remind us of the human cost of war, community support, and honor the service members for generations to come. These families will always hold their loved ones near and dear.
But they will also always remember the day they were notified that their loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Freedom is not free! We should remember this every day. We should never forget these families and their loved ones. If you know a Gold Star Family show them appreciation and let them know you are thinking of them.
