In a poignant "Missing Man" ceremony, Police Chief Stephen Williams urged a roomful of veterans, their loved ones and local dignitaries gathered at the Elks Lodge yesterday, not to forget missing and fallen soldiers.
Lined up in crisp uniforms and white gloves, the solemn-faced Franklin Police Honor Guard - Lt. Thomas J. Lynch, Sgt. Mark Manocchio, Officers Paul Fiorio, Paul Guarino, Jonathan Bussey and John Maloney - held symbolic items as Williams honored soldiers missing in action and prisoners of war.
Music played as the chief, who was a military police sergeant during the Vietnam War, spoke of the "sweetness" of honor and serving one's country that is tainted by the bitterness of loss.
"We are compelled to never forget," he said, explaining why he showed a documentary video about the painstaking work and precision involved in guarding Arlington National Cemetery where "unknown" fallen soldiers rest.
"We call them brothers ... they're unable to be with their families," but Arlington is a place of dignity and honor, he said, encouraging audience members to visit.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
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