CULLMAN – Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day across the country, and the local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars held a special ceremony this morning to commemorate it.
Fifth-grade students from Vinemont Elementary School joined in on the event at VFW Post 2214 in Cullman, where they got to witness a moving POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony. Jerry Willibey, VFW Alabama District 1 commander, led the somber affair. Below is the text of the ceremony, which can also be seen in the accompanying images.
As you entered the VFW Hall today, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us today and so we remember them.
The table is smaller than the others, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against their oppressors. Remember!
The table is rounded to show that our concern for them is never ending. Remember!
The white table cloth represents the purity of their response to our nation's call. Remember!
The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman, but all who are not here with us. Remember!
The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. Remember!
The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. Remember!
The single red rose reminds uf of their families and loved ones, and the red ribbon represents the love of our country, which to inspired them to answer the nation's call. Remember!
The candle, when lit, symbolizes the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit and hope that lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation. Remember!
The slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate. Remember!
The salt upon the bread plate represents the tears of their families. Remember!
The water glass turned upside down reminds that our distinguished comrades cannot be with us to drink a toast. Remember!
All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them, for surely, they have not forsaken you.
Let us honor America's POWs, MIAs and those who cannot be with us now and to the success of our efforts to account for them all… until the day they come home,
REMEMBER!
After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside to meet with members of the Wallace-New Post 76 American Legion Riders, from Mobile.
This year's National POW/MIA Recognition Day comes on the eve of a very special memorial service. Tomorrow, Cpl. Larry M. Dunn will be laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with full military honors. Dunn, who was born on Dec. 20, 1931, was sent to Korea as a young man and was captured and declared Missing in Action in Dec.1950. He was officially declared dead in 1953. His remains were recently identified and returned home to Cullman County just this week.
A military flight carrying Dunn’s body arrived at the Huntsville International Airport on Wednesday, followed by a ceremony at the airport. Cpl. Dunn was escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders as well as State Troopers and local law enforcement from I-565 to I-65 South and down I-65 to Good Hope Exit 304, Hwy 69 to Hwy 31 and Hwy 31 North through downtown, then to Hwy 157 and to Cullman Heritage Funeral Home where Dunn will lie-in-state through Sept. 16 to give the community an opportunity to pay their respects and sign the memorial register.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.
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