The Carl O. Weaver Post 194 observed a short and solemn ceremony for POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday, Sept. 20.

The “Flood Victims of the Canisteo Valley” event featured local musicians, raffles, and food, with proceeds helping families whose homes were destroyed. Over 20 properties were damaged during the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.

The POW/MIA Recognition Day is held each year on the third Friday in September, which honors nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, according to an American Legion website. A special flag is also flown on that day. “We don’t want people to forget,” Ralph Wainwright, who is also with Post 71, said.

22-a-Day is a national campaign to raise awareness of veteran suicides. American Legion Posts put 22 white crosses up each day for thirty days, to symbolize the number of veterans who take their own lives each day. Sexton says seeing the crosses helps people understand the cost of veteran suicide.

As part of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the American Legion Post 68 in Pittsfield will be honoring Prisoners of Wars and Missing in Action for all wars.

It was a busy morning as American Legion Post 19 in Yuma hosted a POW MIA breakfast to honor those who military members who are still missing.