QCC Veteran Affairs Holds POW/MIA Ceremony

Worcester, MA – September 20, 2013 – QCC Veteran Affairs hosted a brief ceremony to honor and recognize American POWs and MIAs at QCC Worcester on 670 West Boylston Street. QCC has a robust student-Veteran population and provides various services to assist veterans in their college endeavors.

The brief ceremony included greetings from Paula Ogden, Director of Veteran Affairs as well as remarks from Army Veterans, Alba Rivera, Veteran Affairs clerical staff and David Lauzon, current Engineering student and student-employee in Veteran Affairs.  QCC’s Honor Guard presented the colors, standing at attention during the ceremony and recessing with full regalia. Sign language interpretation was provided by Tracy Stowbridge.

Of special significance at the event was the Missing Man Table, traditionally a part of military dining-in ceremonies and service balls. The table is laid in memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service members - a focal point of ceremonial remembrance originally growing out of U.S. concern over the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue. The table is a somber and touching element set with multiple items that symbolize that the missing and fallen are not present, as well as the grief experienced by families and friends of the service men and women. The table is lit by a single candle representing the light of hope which lives in the hearts of POW/MIA’s families to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.

The ceremony was attended by over 60 members of the QCC community including local Veterans, student-Veterans and families of Veterans, faculty and staff. QCC’s Veteran Affairs Office assists approximately 300 Veterans per year with a variety of services.