CWV Post in Derby to hold vigil for POW/MIAs

           DERBY - Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary Post 1562, 112 Derby Ave. is hosting a POW/MIA vigil to honor 24 POW/MIA’s still unaccounted for from Connecticut and Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl  a POW currently being held in Afghanistan. 

        The 25-hour vigil starts 1 p.m. May 17 will include an opening ceremony, volunteers to portray POW/MIA’s in bamboo cage dressed in appropriate attire, sunset prayer, midnight prayer, and a closing ceremony.  The intent is to honor all of our current and former POW/MIAs in a somber and earnest way.  The volunteer prisoners will be dressed in prisoner attire, blind folded and sit/stand in the bamboo cage holding symbolic dog tags personalized to each of the 25 POW/MIAs.  

        When the volunteer’s time is up a welcoming party will welcome them home in a symbolic matter.   This event will happen regardless of the weather as our POW/MIA’s were/are be subjected to all types of inclement weather so will our volunteers.

Opening ceremony will consist of presentation of the American Flag and POW/MIA Flag by the Renegade Nights Battalion 2 in a motorcycle procession.  Other motorcyclists are welcome to join in the procession. Upon conclusion of the opening ceremony the first prisoner will be escorted to the cage followed by a recital of the biography of the prisoner being represented. 
 This process will continue on the hour every hour until all such prisoners have been represented.

Throughout the ceremony individuals, veterans' organizations, service organizations, businesses, and the like will have the opportunity to present a wreath at the cage as a way of paying their respects. 

Ceremonies of prayer and remembrance will occur at 8 p.m. Saturday (sunset) and at midnight.

Closing ceremony will include a bell ceremony in cooperation with the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Company 4 of Derby. Music will be provided by Gaelic Highland Pipe Band.

The public and most especially veterans are invited to attend at any time throughout the event including the overnight hours.

For more information contact Kim Abenante at powmia1562@gmail.com or 203-893-0017.


This is a press release from CWV Post 1562.