College pays tribute to POWs, MIAs

POW-MIA FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Meridian Community College held a ceremony in observance of POW-MIA Recognition Day to commemorate our nation's service members who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home.  

Inclement weather didn’t put a stop on Meridian Community College observing National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day. 

The ceremony was moved from the College’s flag plaza to McCain Theater.  

Traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year, the observance is one of six days throughout the year Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag. 

The ceremony marked the third occasion the College has conducted the observance. 

 “Today, we pause for a few minutes and remember,” said MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner as he addressed the audience. While he spoke, an image of the POW/MIA flag was shown. The flag features a white disk bearing in black silhouette a man’s bust, a watchtower with a guard on patrol, and a strand of barbed wire. The white letters POW and MIA with a white five-pointed star in between stand out above the disk. Below the disk is a black and white wreath with the motto “You Are Not Forgotten” written. 

Ashley Tanksley, director of admissions and coordinator of the event, said it’s important to remember the Americans who were prisoners of war and those who are missing in action, as well as their families.