Generally Speaking: Fort Hamilton marks National POW/MIA Day

President Donald Trump has issued a presidential proclamation heralding September 15 as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

His proclamation reads in part, “As Commander in Chief, it is my solemn duty to keep all Americans safe. I will never forget our heroes held prisoner or who have gone missing in action while serving their country. Today, we recognize not just the tremendous sacrifices of our service members, but also those of their families who still seek answers. We are steadfastly committed to bringing solace to those who wait for the fullest possible accounting of their loved ones.”

With the exception of the American flag, the black and white POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House. It  has been raised there every National POW/MIA Day since 1982.

Out at Fort Hamilton in Bay Ridge, the National  POW/MIA remembrance ceremonies were held inside the former officers’ club now known as the Community Club. Among  the honored attendees were four members of the local chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The program, which included the Missing Man Table, sometimes referred to as the Fallen Comrade Table, was hosted by US Army Garrison Commander Colonel Peter Sicoli. Command Sergeant Major Tony Stephens who joined the Army in 1988, was the keynote speaker.

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The Bay Ridge Inter-agency Council on Aging will be holding a political debate between City Council candidates Democrat Justin Brannan and GOP/Conservative John Quaglione, in addition to mayoral contenders and candidates for Brooklyn Borough president who have been invited to participate.

Retired NYPD Detective and  President of the Bay Ridge AARP Peter Killen will chair and moderate the event on Wednesday morning, October 4, at 10 a.m., at the Fort Hamilton Senior Center, 9941 Fort Hamilton Parkway. Susan Lavin is the council president.

Then on Tuesday evening, October 17, 7 P.M., the Bay Ridge Community Council will hold its City Council debate with Brannan and Quaglione, in the auditorium at Xaverian High School. This event will be moderated by Alex Conti, a former BRCC president, and chair of the Council’s Civic Affairs Committee. Ralph Succar is the current BRCC president.