Union County Flag Raising Ceremony Honors POW/MIA Veterans on September 19th

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is honored to extend an invitation to the annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day flag raising on September 19^th at 11:00am on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

"POW/MIA Remembrance Day is a powerful reminder of the bravery of the heroes who never came home," said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. "It's a day to honor their courage and recognize the loved ones who still wait with hope. By honoring them, we show that their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Union County Manager Edward Oatman will begin the ceremony with an introduction, and Chairwoman Leon will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The Presentation of Colors will be led by the Honor Guard from the Union County Sheriff's Department, Union County Prosecutor's Office, Elizabeth Police Department and Elizabeth Fire Department. Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans will give the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli.

The Missing Man Table ceremony, led by Union County Commissioner Vice Chairman Joseph Bodek, honors the brave men and women who never returned home, reminding us they are with us in spirit. Each item on the table holds meaning: the round table shows never-ending concern, the white cloth their pure motives, the rose and ribbon our love and determination, the lemon and salt their bitter fate and tears, the candle and Bible our hope and faith, the inverted glass their absence, and the empty chair the seat that remains unclaimed. It is a solemn reminder that America will never forget those still missing.

"Seeing this ceremony in person is something I urge everyone to witness," said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans Affairs Committee. "We all share the responsibility to remember our veterans and the sacrifices they made."

The ceremony will conclude with a rifle salute, TAPS, and a rendition of "God Bless America" by Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy student Vanessa Cardoza.

For more information on POW/MIA Remembrance Day, please call Geoff Smith with the Office of Veteran's Services at 908-527-4918.