First Lady Ann LePage to Open POW/MIA Event in Old Orchard Beach

September 21, 2012

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 21, 2012
Contact: Paula Benoit (207) 624-7500

AUGUSTA ? The gates of Old Orchard Beach Baseball Park will open Saturday, September 22 at 8:00 a.m. to welcome hundreds of military family members of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) veterans. First Lady Ann LePage will open the remembrance ceremony with remarks to the POW/MIA families and guests, followed by a reading of a proclamation signed by Governor Paul LePage declaring September 21, 2012 as POW/MIA Recognition Day throughout the State of Maine.

?I can?t imagine what these brave families have suffered having their loved ones held captive as a prisoner of war or even worse, still missing in action,? said Mrs. LePage. ?The Governor?s proclamation says it well, ?We will never forget those whose fate remains unresolved, but strive to obtain a full account of every American missing?.?

The weekend-long event will remember the more than 500 Maine citizens who honorably served their country and remain unaccounted for as a POW or MIA. It is a combined effort of several veterans and local groups, including Veterans of Foreign Wars Maine Post 7997, AMVETS, and OOB365. Family members will offer remarks, awards will be given, and Vietnam veteran and musician Country Jim Palmer will sing, ?I am a POW/MIA bring me home.?

The public is encouraged to attend this event. Gates open Friday, 8:00 a.m. with a Vietnam Cobra helicopter being escorted by Patriot Riders at approximately 3:45 p.m. On Saturday, 8:00 a.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m., events will start with a memorial service led by Patriot Rider and Chaplin, Donnie Collica.

Wounded Heroes Chairman and event organizer, Russell Warriner, can be contacted at 207-937-2329 for more information.