September 1, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
The Town of Hingham will host the Annual Candlelight Vigil at the POW/MIA Memorial on Whitney Wharf at Hingham Harbor Friday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., which coincides with the 2021 National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The ceremony will last for about an hour.
"This simple stand-out draws awareness and shows solidarity for the cause," Director of Veterans Services Keith Jermyn said in a press release about the event. "All members of the military, veterans, and Gold Star families are strongly encouraged to attend, along with the general public."
By presidential proclamation, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is to be observed annually on the third Friday in September. "This National Day of Recognition honors our missing service members and their families and highlights the government’s commitment to account for them," Jermyn said. "America’s POW/MIAs should be honored and recognized, rather than memorialized, with the focus on that continuing commitment to account as fully as possible for those still missing."
Volunteers will be on-hand to distribute glow sticks while they last, and individuals and families are encouraged to bring their own luminary devices.
The event will start off with welcoming remarks by Jermyn and introduction of federal, state, and local officials as honored guests.
Following remarks by participating officials and others, there will be a "Taps" bugle call, with those in attendance standing silently, the rendering of a salute, and a showing of "proper respect," Jermyn explained.
Those attending are asked to keep face mask and social distancing guidelines in mind. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. Parking in the main lot nearest the Victory (Iron Horse) Statue is recommended.
The national POW/MIA flag was designed to remind Americans of the United States service members whose fates were never accounted for during the war.
When displayed from a single flagpole, the POW/MIA flag should fly directly below, and be no larger than, the United States flag. If on separate poles, the U.S. flag should always be placed to the right of other flags.