ANNA (WSIL) -- Nearly 82,000 American service members are listed as . That includes those who served in World War II through current deployments.
Members of the Anna VFW are remembering those heroes and American service members who were taken as Prisoners of War.
Clarence Caraker, who is helping with the event and is also the POW/MIA director for the Illinois VFW, says they're holding an outdoor fish fry as a way to social distance.
"We want everyone here to enjoy themselves," says Caraker who's also a Navy veteran. "I want everyone to bring a lawn chair and we'll have masks available."
Along with the fish, the post will also be serving potato salad, slaw, onions, pickles and hush puppies.
Following the dinner, there will be a prayer, guest speakers and a ceremony recognizing Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
Caraker says years may pass but families who have a loved one missing feel the pain everyday.
"AÂ lot of sadness because they still believe that person is there. They have a lot of thought about it," he explains. "Memories. Some people hide their memory but it's still there."
Caraker hopes the ceremony can help bring them some closure.
The night will be rounded out with LIVE music from Jonathan Len and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Post members are asking a $10 donation for the fish fry meal with proceeds going to the military emergency program, which is a relief fund.
The event will take place at the Carroll P. Foster post on Friday, September 18th starting at 5 p.m.
70 VFW LANE
Anna, IL 62906
