October 7, 2016

Bristol Legislators Join American Legion in Honoring POW/MIA Veterans

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BRISTOL – State Reps. Cara Pavalock (R-77), Whit Betts (R-78), and State Sen. Henri Martin (R-31) joined members of the American Legion Seicheprey Post 2, town officials, and guests during POW/MIA Remembrance Day at the Post.

During the ceremony led by Commander Richard Schreiner, the Bristol legislators presented an official citation on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly to Sergeant Omar Deabay for his service during the Korean War. During their remarks, the legislators each extended their thanks to Sgt. Deabay and all veterans who have served and have selflessly sacrificed for the greater good.

Sgt. Deabay also addressed the group and shared his experiences during the war, including being listed as Missing in Action (MIA), and his work with wounded soldiers returning from combat.

The Missing Man Table and Honors, a ceremonial tribute to those veterans who never came home, was set during the service. In keeping with the time-honored tradition, the empty table was set for one with a white cloth, inverted glass, lit candle, a single red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon, and other symbolic tributes.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States, but it is a national observance.

Photo (L-R): State Sen. Henri Martin, State Rep. Whit Betts, Sergeant Omar Deabay, and State Rep. Cara Pavalock attend POW/MIA Remembrance Day services held at Bristol’s American Legion Seicheprey Post 2. Deabay was presented with an official citation by the Bristol legislators on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly to for his service during the Korean War.