LAUREL — The third Friday in September is National Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Day in the United States, and the American Legion held a morning remembrance ceremony in Laurel.
The ceremony took place at Thomson Park and not only saw neighbors and veterans come out, but many students from nearby schools.
The event featured speakers from the community as well as retired military members. The service was complete with the playing of "Taps" and a volley from the American Legion Honor Guard.
The United States has about 87,000 soldiers listed as missing in action. Of those, 54 are from Montana and one is from Yellowstone County.
“His name is Alan Ashall," says Richard Klose of the American Legion post 123 in Laurel. "He was shot down over Vietnam. His plane and his remains are still unaccounted for. In 2014, we were able to get in contact with his family and we placed a memorial stone at the National Cemetery here in Laurel for Alan, as a remembrance.”
Though Ashall and so many others may be lost, thanks to the American Legion and other similar groups, they are not forgotten.
