Civilians, active-duty soldiers and military retirees gathered Friday at the Vietnam Veterans of America Memorial on Fort Stewart to remember 35 Georgia service members who have yet to come home from war.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 789 of Liberty County hosts the solemn ceremony each year on POW/MIA Recognition Day. The chapter’s effort is supported by the 3rd Infantry Division, according to Chad Chaffee, chapter president and master of ceremonies.
Chaffee, a retired Army sergeant major, said service members are classified as POW/MIAs when they have gone missing in action or may have died as prisoners of war.
Along with prayer and poetry from chapter members and guests, a table set for one with a vacant chair was prominently placed to symbolize the absence of the missing in action.
3rd ID Commander Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams told the crowd that thousands of lost service members still have families waiting for their return.

Read more in the Sept. 21 edition of the News.