FD Cadets Pause for the National POW/MIA Recognition Day

The United States' National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Americans throughout the nation and overseas pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those veterans who were Prisoners Of War (POW) and those who are Missing in Action (MIA). All military installations fly the National League of Families POW/MIA Flag, Which symbolizes the nation's remembrance of those who were imprisoned and those who remain missing in action while serving in our nation’s conflicts.

On Friday, September 16, 2016 in the Phoenix Center, the Phoenix Company NJROTC unit led by C/CDR Dom Salenga took time out from their very busy academic schedule and gave tribute to Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action from all wars. The Honor Guard was led by Christopher Guerrero, while Lorenz Junio led the Rifle and POW/MIA Flag Team. The rest of the team were Christian Dela Cruz, Nathaniel Blanquisco, Antonio Calvo, Alvin Almira, Zachary Belanger, Justin Delos Santos, Rico Lizama and Kenny Chong. The Masters of Ceremony was Ethan Storie, assisted by the unit’s cadet military music coordinator, Logan Kumar. This very solemn ceremony was witnessed by all of the cadets of Phoenix Company, the FDMS yearbook class students, and Mr. Tony Thompson, Principal, of Father Duenas Memorial School. As this very moving ceremony was narrated and symbolism employed throughout by detailed descriptions of various artifacts placed on the white linen covered table, all observers were deeply
moved as they could visually see and understand the almost unbearable hardships that POW/MIA veterans and their families endure. The sad ringing tone of two bells repeatedly followed by the word “Remember” as described in each hardship element, brought to the audience an emotional connection that drove home the sacrifices that American military service men and women make for their country.

Father Duenas Memorial School students, cadets, staff and community remember the fallen.