A new POW/MIA monument was unveiled Sunday at Riverview Park in Sebastian, Florida. Sebastian Squad 189 of Sons of the American Legion raised the funds for the dedication.
Past Commander Peter Puzzo spoke about the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action monument.
“Today, we specifically honor those heroes and Patriots,” said Puzzo. “We keep their memories alive until they are all brought home.”
Other officials at the ceremony were Sebastian Mayor Fred Jones, County Commissioner Laura Moss, Sebastian Police Chief Dan Acosta, Rob Medina (representing Congressman Bill Posey), Legion Post Commander Rick Feldhann, Squadron 189 Commander John Kinlen, VFW Commander Gary Shaw, and County Commissioner Joe Flescher.
Puzzo said the brass stars on the Prisoner of War/Mission in Action monument are melted-down brass made from the grommets of American flags retrieved after they were retired from service.
“Thereby showing that our flag never dies,” said Puzzo.
In 2014, the idea to bring a stone monument honoring those of POW/MIA was from Puzzo, funded through local donations.
Since WWI, more than 82,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from wars and conflicts.
“The third Friday of September is designated as POW/MIA remembrance day. April 9th is considered POW/MIA family day. On both those days, we will place a solar light in front of this monument so that it shines for that whole evening,” Puzzo said.
The POW/MIA monument is located at Riverview Park (east of the splash pad) next to the American Flag.
For more information, visit the Sons of The American Legion Facebook page.
Photos of the POW/MIA Ceremony
