Friday, September 20th, 2024 – SYRACUSE, NY
Today, Mayor Ben Walsh, on behalf of the Syracuse and Onondaga County American Legion, issued a PROCLAMATION identifying September 20th, 2024, as Prisoner of War and Missing In Action Recognition Day within the City of Syracuse. Our ceremony coincides with numerous national observances of POW and MIA ceremonies.
Led by County Commander Robert Haumann, Legionnaires James Bass, Glen Wheelock, and Herbert Dunmore, along with Patrick Lyons of the Gregory Harris Military Courtesy Room, briefly spoke on several topics such as the history of the POW/MIA Recognition Day, the creation and design of the POW/MIA flag, the meaning of the Missing Man Table and update on the search for the remains of Marine Corporal Gregory Harris in Vietnam.
Mayor Walsh then spoke for a few moments, acknowledging members of his own family and their service encounters. Commander Haumann also shared poignant stories of his family members who were POW’s during WWII.
Mayor Walsh read the PROCLAMATION, and Glen Wheelock raised the POW/MIA Flag above City Hall.
On behalf of the Syracuse and Onondaga County American Legion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Walsh and his staff, especially his Chief Policy Officer Greg Loh and Josephine Galdamez, for their work with us under a tight deadline on this most solemn of days. We also thank all attendees for your presence and support, which made this ceremony a truly memorable and solemn event.
