POW-MIA ceremony had dual purpose

Every year, Jackson residents and others faithfully gather for a somber, mile-long march around the city's beautiful parks.

They are young and old, some hoist flags high and others walk with their heads bowed, but they are all there to remember prisoners of war and those missing in action from America's past conflicts.

This year, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10495 and its auxiliary appropriately expanded the ceremony to include the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast.

With the sun shining on their faces and the wind whipping hundreds of flags, the songs and prayers brought comfort to the men and women who participated.

They had a message for us all: Those who have made sacrifices for America cannot be forgotten.