TILTON, NH – The annual American Legion “Spirit of the Eagle” POW/MIA Vigil will be held in the American Legion Park at the New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH) in Tilton from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7, 2008. The opening ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday and the closing ceremony will take place at 11:00 AM on Sunday.
Chuck Lewis, past Department Commander of the American Legion for New Hampshire and a member of the NHVH Therapeutic Recreation staff, says, “The purpose of the POW/MIA Vigil is to honor the commitment and the sacrifices made by this nation’s Prisoners of War and those who are still Missing in Action, as well as their families. We have the highest regard for their service and we want to make sure they are never forgotten.”
The American Legion for New Hampshire coordinates the event and seeks volunteers to stand watch throughout the 24 hours of the vigil. “Each watch is only 15 minutes long,” explains Lewis, “but sometimes it is difficult to get people to volunteer for a shift in the middle of the night. It’s pretty impressive to see some of our residents standing out there or sitting in their wheelchairs in honor of their fellow soldiers.” Lewis adds, “This event is open to the public and we would love to have more people attend and stand watch.” People can contact Chuck Lewis at (603) 455-5047 if they have questions or would like to volunteer.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home was established in Tilton in 1890 as the Soldier’s Home for Civil War Veterans. One of just four New Hampshire nursing homes to win the 2007 Quality of Life Award from the NH Department of Health & Human Services, the modern facility is home to 200 men and women who have served their country and fellow New Hampshire citizens. The mission of NHVH is to provide high quality, professional long-term care services to the Granite State’s elderly and disabled veterans. NHVH is the only long-term care facility in the Granite State that is dedicated exclusively to veterans.
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Jackie E. Bonafide
Program Information Officer
NH Veterans Home
139 Winter Street
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 527-4847