POW/MIA Recognition Day Observed in Butler

Local veterans organizations held a ceremony to honor prisoners of war and those missing action on the nationally observed POW/MIA Recognition Day Friday.

Butler VFW Post 8096 Adjutant Gene Biczak said the government has chosen the third Friday in September for events to honor the POWs.

"This is when we pay homage to those who are missing and those who are prisoners of war," he said

According to the VFW post Commander Doug Fritsch, the total number of POWs unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War is about 88,000. About 78,000 of the men and women unaccounted for have been missing from World War II alone, he said.

"For the missing in actions' families, the passage of time does not heal wounds," Fritsch said.

Fritsch called on attendees to teach children about the wars and the significance of the sacrifice Americans who serve make.

"Teach them about the great men and women who continue to serve in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

Kevin Mackey, a 50-year-old veteran from Lincoln Park and member of the Wayne VFW Post 174, attended the Butler ceremony. He and his uncle also attended a POW/MIA recognition ceremony in Pequannock Friday.

"I just think it's important to support [veterans]," he said. "We are veterans too."

Mackey said they also attended the Morris County service and that he feels it is important to honor POWs and those who have been missing since their time of service. Mackey served in the U.S. Army from 1980 through 1986.