BRUNSWICK
Eleven Maine servicemen who fought in Vietnam and never returned home were honored on National POW/MIA Recognition Day Friday.
The Brunswick American Legion George T. Files Post 20 held a somber ceremony on the Brunswick Mall Friday to remember the servicemen — each of whom were prisoners of war or missing in action. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is always observed on the third Friday in September.
The list of Maine Vietnam War POW/MIA was at 12 until September 2015, when the remains of Lieutenant junior grade Neil B. Taylor of Rangeley were returned after 50 years. He was a Naval pilot shot down in Vietnam Sept. 14, 1965 while on his 68th and final mission. He’d remained missing in action until he was laid to rest in Rangeley two years ago.
There are 46 Mainers still unaccounted for from the Korean War, and listed as either Killed in Action, Missing in Action or Prisoner of War.
The legion Friday adjusted the traditional “A Table Set for One” ceremony by including a member from each branch of the military, with a seat for each represented at the symbolic table. Active duty members came to Brunswick and volunteered their time to assist the legion with the program.
“Let us remember the men, women prisoners of war from all branches of service that are too often forgotten. Let us remember them,” said District 8 Commander Dan Lindsley.
“The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms so that their children could remain free. Remember,” Lindsley said. “The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up to their oppressors.”
“The single rose reminds us of loved ones and the families of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return,” he said. “A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate if we do not bring them home. … There is salt on the plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait, and remember. The glasses are inverted. They cannot toast with us tonight. Maybe tomorrow, if we remember.”
The picture on the table is a reminder that they are missed very much and remembered by their families, Lindsley said.
“As we look upon the empty table, do not remember ghosts from the past, but remember our comrades. Remember those whom we depended on in battle,” he said. “They depend on us to bring them home.”
“If we do not continue to be vigilant and to keep on our senators and representatives, then they’ll be forgotten. We don’t want them forgotten,” said Post Commander Joe Donahue. “Maine still has 11 members unaccounted for from Vietnam.”
There are hundreds more American servicemen missing from around the country.
“We have ideas and locations that we would like to get into and search certain areas,” Donahue said, which is why there needs to be continued pressure put on the Vietnamese government.
During the ceremony Friday, he said, “We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy or daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and internment.”
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