PARIS — The annual POW and MIA service cosponsored by the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee and the Maine Veterans Home will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at 477 High St.

This annual service honors those soldiers who were imprisoned and those who never returned to their country and loved ones. The ceremony consists of the names of each missing Vietnam soldier being read aloud and a candle lit in their honor. Music, prayers and the customary empty table are other parts 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 of the WMVAC.

“This is a very special program to the staff, residents and families as well as our community. So many can relate to having a family member or friend who went through imprisonment or who was never accounted for,” said Pat Paar, activities supervisor at the 90-bed facility.

Guest speaker for the day will be Brenda Diane Dearborn, Department of Maine Commander, American Legion. Music, posting of the colors and an explanation of the ceremony with its significance will be part of the program.

The public is invited to the service and tours of the facility will be available to those interested. The facility offers rehabilitation, long term care, dementia care and assisted living. For more information, call 743-6300 or visit the website at www.maineveteranshomes.org.

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