LAKEPORT – National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually across the nation on the third Friday in September.

This year the commemoration takes place on Sept. 17.

To mark the date and remember those who were or are prisoners of war or missing in action and their families, a gathering will be held at the gazebo in Library Park in Lakeport at 8 p.m.

The program will include a candlelight vigil, speakers Woody Hughes and Dan Christensen, and music by Robert Deppe.

The Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County will also fire the traditional rifle volleys and play “Taps.” It is a rare opportunity to view a nighttime rifle firing.

More than 1,700 American personnel are still listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict. There also are personnel not accounted for from the current conflicts.

Though National POW/MIA Recognition day is not a public holiday it is a national observance.

You are encouraged to take time to remember and honor our American POW/MIA service members.

Everyone is welcome. Please bring a candle to light.

For more information, please call 707-349-2838.

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