Veterans' Events on May 3rd, 15th, and 22nd

Dateline: April 27, 2021

The following events are dedicated to honoring those who have served their country in our armed forces, especially those who are still Missing in Action (MIA), were prisoners of war (POWs), or have succumbed to the problem of suicide in the veteran community.

• May 3: Missing Man Chair
• May 15 to June 21: Flags for Forgotten Heroes
• May 22: POW/MIA Flag Raising Event

Missing Man Chair - May 3rd

"Taps"

On May 3rd, Allenstown residents Rich and Trish Caruso, along with members of Rolling Thunder NH1®, are to present a Missing Man Chair to the Town of Allenstown at the Select Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The chair is to be prominently displayed at Town Hall and at town events. It is meant to serve as a reminder and conversation piece regarding those who died in military service and have not yet returned home from overseas.

Since World War II, over 80,000 American Service Members have never returned home, and very few people are even aware of such a staggering number. By placing missing man chairs and tables along with POW/MIA flags in many locations, Rolling Thunder NH1 hopes to raise awareness of the need for continued action to address this issue.

You may participate in person, via Zoom, or Facebook. Instructions for linking to the event are to be posted on the Selectmen's page of Allenstown web site.

Web site: Rolling Thunder NH1
Facebook site: Rolling Thunder Inc. New Hampshire Chapter 1

Flags for Forgotten Heroes - May 15 to June 21

The installation of Flags for Forgotten Heroes is to take place at the Allenstown Police Dept. on May 15th. This ceremony, organized by The Honor Bear and Flags for Forgotten Heroes, begins at 10:00 a.m. It is to include a short presentation that explains the reasons for the event, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and Presentation of Flags. The flags are to be planted in the ground by volunteers.

Information tables will provide printed material about CHHB and suicide prevention, information about Home Town Heroes Banners and supporting organizations like Rolling Thunder®. The plan is to have veterans or active military personnel or both in attendance representing their military branch. It is hoped that various First Responders attend, along with Explorers and young Cadets.

We expect a good turn out since there has been a lot of positive conversation about this around town. The flags will remain in place through June 21st.

Facebook site: The Honor Bear group

POW/MIA Flag Raising Event - May 22

This event is organized by Rich and Trish Caruso, members of Rolling Thunder, Inc. NH Chapter 1. The goal is to educate the public and raise awareness around the POW/MIA issues.

This initiative has been supported at the federal level with the passing of a law in 2019 mandating the flag be flown at prominent federal buildings and national war memorials throughout the year.

 POW/MIA Flag Raising Announcement

Participating Locations

For the May 22nd event, the following locations are signed up to participate. Visitors are welcome to attend.

Allenstown, NH

• 9:00am Allenstown Police Station, 40 Allenstown Road
• 9:15am *Allenstown Elementary School, 30 Main Street
• 9:30am *Armand R. Dupont School, 10 1/2 School Street
• 9:45am Allenstown Library, 59 Main Street
• 10:00am Allenstown Fire Station, 1 Ferry Street
• 10:15am Allenstown Community Center, 8 Whitten Street
• 10:30am Allenstown Town Hall, 16 School Street
• 10:45am Volunteer Park, 5 Wall Street (off River Road)
• 11:00am Caruso residence, 8 Albin Avenue
  *Students at each school will participate in the ceremony

Pembroke, NH

• 11:30am Airgas, 121 Sheep Davis Rd.
• 11:45am Pembroke Pines Country Club, 42 Whittemore Rd.

Web site: Rolling Thunder NH1
Facebook site: Rolling Thunder Inc. New Hampshire Chapter 1

What You Can Do

Attend one or more of these veteran honoring events. Let us all pray, "God bless the American soldier, and all those who serve in uniform to protect us from enemies both foreign and domestic."