POW/MIA: You Are Not Forgotten

The VFW Post 2480 remains steadfast in our commitment to the men and women who never returned from the battlefield. This section is dedicated to honoring the service, the sacrifice, and the memory of those listed as Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA).

Our mission is simple: to ensure that our community never forgets and that our government remains accountable in the search for answers. 

The Meaning of the POW/MIA Flag

The black-and-white flag flying at our Post is more than just a symbol; it is a solemn promise. Created during the Vietnam War, it serves as a reminder of those who are still unaccounted for.

• The Silhouette: Represents the prisoner, head bowed in endurance.
• The Watchtower and Barbed Wire: Symbols of the harsh realities of captivity.
• The Motto: "You Are Not Forgotten"—a pledge that persists until every soul is brought home.

The Missing Man Table

When you visit Post 2480, you may notice a small, unoccupied table set for one. This is the Missing Man Table, a place of honor at our gatherings. Each element on the table carries a deep significance:

Small Table: Represents the frailty of one prisoner alone against their suppressors.

White Tablecloth: Symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

Single Rose: Reminds us of the families and loved ones who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

Yellow Ribbon: Tied to the vase representing the demand for a proper accounting of the missing.

Sliver of Lemon: Reminds us of the bitter fate of those missing in a foreign land.

Pinch of Salt: Represents the tears of the families who wait.

Inverted Glass: They cannot toast with us; they are unable to share this evening’s meal.

Empty Chair: They are not here.