North Hills Students & Staff Observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day

North Hills Senior High school students and staff recognized National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 21 along with veterans from American Legion Post #80 in Laurel Gardens.  

Local veterans set up a POW/MIA tribute table near the senior high flagpoles and raised the black POW/MIA flag early in the morning, so students and staff could view it as they started the school day. Later in the day, the table was moved indoors into the lobby where informational material was available on the significance of each item on the table. 

• The table is set for one. Its small size represents the fragility of one prisoner against his or her suppressors.  
• The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of a soldier’s motives when they answer the call to duty.  
• The single red rose in the vase reminds viewers of the life of each of the missing, and the loved ones of these Americans who keep the faith awaiting answers.  
• The vase is tied with a ribbon that symbolizes the country’s continued determination to account for the missing.  
• A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds viewers of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign field.  
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.  
• The inverted glass symbolizes their inability to share a meal.  
• The empty chair reminds us they are missing.  

Senior high staff members Pete Candreva and Sandy Miller brought the event to the attention of high school principal John Kreider, who organized the event with the American Legion Post #80.

- Submitted by Amanda S.F. Hartle on behalf of the North Hills School District. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Richard Cook at Richard.Cook@Patch.com.

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