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Sussex Elks POW/MIA Ceremonies a solemn event

| 23 Sep 2014 | 03:57
    Fred Spages of the Sussex Elks Lodge No. 2288 explains the meaning of the empty table that honors those military personnel who remain prisoners of war.
    Fred Spages of the Sussex Elks Lodge No. 2288 explains the meaning of the empty table that honors those military personnel who remain prisoners of war.
    Tuxedo-attired members of the Sussex Elks Lodge #2288 prepare to unveil and dedicate a memorial created by Sussex County Technical School students Drew Lang (second from left) and Nicholas Lamonica.
    Tuxedo-attired members of the Sussex Elks Lodge #2288 prepare to unveil and dedicate a memorial created by Sussex County Technical School students Drew Lang (second from left) and Nicholas Lamonica.
    Bernhard Oesen and his wife, Carol, of Wantage listen as the memorial is dedicated.
    Bernhard Oesen and his wife, Carol, of Wantage listen as the memorial is dedicated.
    Detail of the POW/MIA memorial that measures about two feet by four feet high.
    Detail of the POW/MIA memorial that measures about two feet by four feet high.

WANTAGE — Friday marked POW/MIA Recognition Day and that evening members of the Sussex Elks Lodge No. 2288 invited area veterans to the dedication of a memorial created by Sussex County Technical School students Drew Lang and Nicholas Lamonica.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the memorial was unveiled and Lang described the inspiration that went into its creation.

Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden was the guest speaker at the event that included a dinner prepared by Safe Heaven, a local group of volunteers that fights hunger in the community. About 100 people attended the ceremonies and dinner, which was free to all veterans and military personnel.

Others were asked to make a donation of their choosing to help support Safe Haven.

— Photos by Chris Wyman