Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 26, 2025 A Salute to the MIA/ POW you are Not Forgotten … All branches of the Military Service were recognized with flags in their presence held by Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at last Friday’s POW/MIA Ceremony. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) NEVER FORGOTTEN: A Salute to the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) by the JROTC finished the ceremony as it was narrated by Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) By Joanie Allbee V FW Saugus Post 2346 at 190C Main St. last Friday (Sept. 19) night held a Vigil for those Missing in Action and Prisoners of War (MIA/POW). Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti (Captain, USN Retired) led the annual ceremonies to make certain our MIA/ POW are not forgotten. Captain Castinetti called on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC ) programs of Lynn’s & Salem’s Marines and Peabody’s Air Force Cadets to assist with ceremonies. Sgt. Major John W. Sumner (Marines) and Sgt. Major Jose Beato (Marines) and Peabody Air Force instructors proudly watched their cadets’ perfect timing and cadence execution. All Military flags were paraded and carried to the front by JROTC to represent all Military services present. Captain Castinetti narrated with sorrow the Missing Man/ Fallen Comrade Table ceremony as the JROTC displayed each table item: Round table: represents the everlasting concern for those JROTC with Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti, the master of ceremonies, at last Friday’s POW/ MIA ceremony. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) who are missing. Empty chair: the missed absence of those unable to sit at table. White tablecloth: purity of motives to answer the call of duty. Black napkin: the emptiness the warrior left behind in the hearts that ache for them to return. Single red rose in a vase: the life of each person who is MIA/ POW; also blood shed for freedom. Lemon placed on a bread plate: The MIA/POW‘s life, bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. Salt: sprinkled on the bread plate representing countless tears shed from those who are waiting for loved ones’ returns. Inverted glass: symbolizes the inability of the missing to share a toast with comrades. Candle: the light of hope for a safe return. And the black ribbon tied around the candle for the mourning of those who will not be coming home. A moment of silence to reflect that you are not forgotten. The JROTC gave a powerful salute. Let us never forget them … the POW/MIA President Jimmy Carter established POW/MIA Recognition Day in 1979, a day to think and to never forget those who stood up to defend our Country and who are now left alone and lost while families still hope and cry for their return. The MIA/POW missing man ceremony started at the end of the Vietnam War and continues every third week in September. This ceremony is performed at Military bases and throughout organizations to express the honorable MIA/ POW quote “You are not forgotten.” Local children of the American Revolution, DAR and SAR honor Veterans at Logan Airport (Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by the Parson Roby Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution [NSDAR].) O n a quiet Sunday morning, while most of Massachusetts was still asleep, members of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) gathered at Logan Airport in Boston at 6:30 a.m. to witness something truly unforgettable — an Honor Flight New England send-off. For the Massachusetts State President of C.A.R., Yadiel, this event was especially personal. His State Project for the year is dedicated to raising awareness and support for Honor Flight New England. The inspiration came from his own family — his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, was honored on an Honor Flight out of Manchester, N.H., last Father’s Day. Witnessing the powerful impact that flight had on his grandfather and their entire family, Yadiel knew he wanted to make Honor Flight his State Project so that more veterans could experience that same recognition and gratitude. Honor Flight New England, a nonprofit organization, transports America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge, so they may visit and reflect at the memorials built in their honor. The atmosphere was both joyHONOR VETERANS | SEE PAGE 9 Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) greeted the Veterans with colorful handmade signs before their sendoff on an Honor Flight. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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