UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will host its annual Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Vigil on Sept. 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. The event is held on POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day of national observance in the United States to honor those who have served and who never had the chance to return home. 

The event, which is open to the public, will take place at Old Main Lawn on the University Park campus. Military veterans and their families are invited to attend. 

During the event, there will be a "missing man" table ceremony, a symbolical gesture to reserve space and pay tribute to those who served and did not return home. At 5 p.m., Honor Guards and ROTC cadets will begin protecting the table for a full 24 hours until the vigil ends on the evening of Sept. 16. 

There also will be a 21-gun salute from the American Legion Three Round Volley, a performance of Taps, the Wild Blue Yonders performing the national anthem, and guest speakers. 

Ana Panaitescu, an undergraduate student in her junior year, squadron commander of the Harry R. Armstrong Arnold Air Society Squadron, and the organizer of the event, said, “This commemoration we celebrate each year is an important symbol to many. It allows us to reflect upon those who have given their lives and endured unimaginable hardships for the sake of keeping the United States a free nation for generations to come. The POW/MIA Vigil allows us, as a community, to recognize and spread awareness of those who have made these sacrifices.” 

In the event of severe weather, the vigil will be moved inside to the Freeman Auditorium in the HUB-Robeson Center. 

"We must never forget the sacrifices of our POW/MIA servicemembers and their families. They deserve our respect, our gratitude and our continued support,” Eugene McFeely, Penn State’s senior director for veterans affairs and services and chair of Penn State’s Military Appreciation Committee, said. “On this upcoming National POW/MIA Recognition Day, let us all rededicate ourselves to bringing our MIA servicemembers home."  

This event is organized by the Harry R. Armstrong Squadron, the Penn State Air Force ROTC’s chapter of the Arnold Air Society. Now a more than 30-year tradition, the first event was organized by Penn State Veterans who served during the Vietnam War. 

Penn State is honored to serve the men and women of our military and continue its long-standing tradition of providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in their education and careers as a small appreciation of their service. This year, Penn State will honor military families during a series of campus events, including the military appreciation football game on Oct. 28. Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu to learn more.