UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will hold its annual Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Vigil at 4 p.m. on Sept. 20. This event, held on POW/MIA Recognition Day, is a national observance to honor those who served and never returned home.
Open to the public, the vigil will take place on the Old Main Lawn at the University Park campus. Military veterans and their families are especially encouraged to attend.
The event will feature a "missing man" table ceremony, a symbolic tribute to those who did not return. Beginning at 4 p.m., Honor Guards and ROTC cadets will stand vigil over the table for 24 hours, concluding the event on Sept. 21.
The event is organized by the Penn State Air Force ROTC. A tradition spanning more than 40 years, the first vigil was organized by Penn State veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
“It is our responsibility to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Ryan McLaughlin, Air Force ROTC Cadet Delta Vice Commander. “In remembering POWs and those missing in action, we affirm their bravery as a lasting part of our nation’s story, deserving of our respect and unwavering commitment to bringing them home.”
Additional elements of the ceremony will include a performance of “Taps,” the national anthem sung by the Wild Blue Yonders, and remarks from guest speakers, including Eugene McFeely, Penn State’s senior director for veterans’ affairs and services and chair of the Military Appreciation Committee.
“We must always remember the sacrifices made by our POW/MIA service members and their families. They are owed our deepest respect, gratitude and unwavering support,” McFeely said. “On this National POW/MIA Recognition Day, let us renew our commitment to bringing our MIA service members home.”
Penn State remains dedicated to supporting the men and women of the military, offering resources to help them succeed in education and careers as a small token of appreciation for their service. This year, the University will honor service members who were a prisoner of war (POW) and those who are still missing in action (MIA) in a series of campus events, including the military appreciation football game on Sept. 21. Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu for more information.