SOUTH PARIS — Plans have been finalized for the annual POW-MIA service to be held at the Maine Veterans’ Home. This year’s service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the facility on High Street.

“This is one of our most cherished services that is hosted in our home,” said Joel Dutton, administrator. “It is our honor to be able to host an event that pays tribute to those soldiers who were imprisoned and those who never returned to their country and loved ones,” he said.

Guest speaker for the day’s service will be Donald Simoneau, past department commander for the State of Maine American Legion. Music, posting of the colors and an explanation of the ceremony and its significance will be part of the service.

The ceremony will consist of the names of each missing Vietnam soldier being read aloud while a candle is lit in their honor. Music, prayers and the customary empty table are other facets of the program.

“The table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her suppressors. Each item on the table has significance in the ceremony, and this is explained as the candles are lit,” said Joe Cooney, chairman for the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee, which co-hosts the annual ceremony.

The public is invited to the service and tours of the facility will be available to those interested. The 90-bed facility offers skilled, long-term care, dementia care and assisted living.

For more information, call 743-6300, or visit www.maineveteranshomes.org.

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