September 18, 2025
As the sun was setting last evening, the Newark Morning Rotary Club dedicated a Chair of Honor in recognition of American Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action. President Anne Mathisen was honored to represent our club at this event. Since World War II, more than 80,000 American men and women remain “still missing.” Outside of their immediate families and close friends they have been nearly forgotten. The chair memorial serves as a tribute to all POW and MIA as well as their families.
POW/MIA chairs are found across the United States, in sports arenas and stadiums, town halls, parks and state capitols and now one at the Newark Municipal Building on Main Street in Newark, DE. The chairs are meant to represent those service members who are unable to fill them because of their sacrifices. They also remind us of the men and women who serve our country every day.
Rosely Robinson, founder of A Hero’s Welcome Delaware, told us there are 70 Chairs of Honor in Delaware alone. She said there are 121 missing service members in Delaware. She said that in 1971, during the Vietnam War, Mary Hoff, the wife of MIA Lt. Commander Michael Hoff U.S.N., proposed the creation of a symbol for American POWs and those who are MIA. The POW/MIA flag was created and is officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in conjunction with the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue, "as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for. The flag was designed with black and white colors representing the colors of the pajamas worn by prisoners in Vietnam. This is the only flag that may be displayed on the same pole as the American flag.
Captain and Flight Officer in the U.S Air Force and Prisoner of War in Vietnam, Ralph Galati spoke. Mr. Galati's speech was compelling and moving. His experiences as a prisoner, highlighting the hope and spirit of faith among the detainees, were deeply touching. The daily tests they faced, including beatings, and their unwavering New Mission as captives was to resist and return home; he was truly inspiring. His message to "Never Forget" is a poignant reminder of their resilience and determination. He said the prisoners recited the third verse of Amazing Grace daily and were punished for it. It reads: "Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home".
Thank you, Newark Morning Rotary Club, for this ever-memorable evening.
#rid7630 #ChairOfHonor
