POW*MIA Flag Flown Over Ann Petta Park

At the Grand Terrace Senior Complex located at Ann Petta Park, a POW*MIA flag was raised to recognize the service members in the military who have not been accounted for. Bob Lavin, Veterans Memorial Wall of Freedom Chairman, conducted a short ceremony on Saturday June 14th. He reminded those in attendance that on Flag Day that, “Our American flag symbolizes freedom.” In 1971, Mrs. Michael Hoff, the wife of a U.S. military officer listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War, developed the idea for a national flag to remind every American of the U.S. service members whose fates were never accounted for during the war. The black and white image of a gaunt silhouette, a strand of barbed wire and an ominous watchtower was designed by Newt Heisley, a former World War II pilot. In 1979, as families of the missing pressed for full accountability, Congress and the president proclaimed the first National POW*MIA Recognition Day to acknowledge the families’ concerns and symbolize the steadfast resolve of the American people to never forget the men and women who gave up their freedom protecting ours. Three years later, in 1982, the POW*MIA flag became the only flag other than the Stars and Stripes to fly over the White House in Washington, D.C. At the Ann Petta Park in Grand Terrace, Boy Scout Troop 40 provided a color guard and raised the American Flag, POW*MIA and California state flags. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer was given by Steve Lasiter, Battalion Chief for the San Bernardino County Fire Dept. Councilwomen Darcy McNaboe and Jackie Mitchell attended the ceremony and local veterans were also recognized. Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown’s representative, Jon Gaede, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Grand Terrace Senior Center President, Jane Haines and to the Veterans Wall of Freedom.