Honoring POW/MIAs

✯ ✯ ✯ Honoring and Remembering Our POW/MIAs ✯ ✯ ✯

September 2025 — September is National POW/MIA Recognition Month, with the official day observed on the third Friday of September. At Cathay Post #186, we honor this commitment at every meeting with a moment of silence—and this year we held two special ceremonies.

On September 19 at Hing Hay Park, members of Cathay Post #186, the VFW, and community friends gathered to raise the National POW/MIA Flag. This solemn event connected us with ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol and across the nation. The day holds special meaning for our Post, as founding members David “Gobby” Woo and Jimmy Mar were WWII POWs. Vice Commander Bob Dela-Cruz shared his personal connection—his father, CPT Lescum Dela-Cruz, survived the Bataan Death March and captivity. Together, we honored the more than 81,000 service members still missing and the families who await their return.

On September 26 at T-Mobile Park, Post members joined with the VFW for a wreath-laying ceremony at the POW/MIA Chair of Honor before the Seattle Mariners opened their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. We extend our thanks to the Mariners for preserving this lasting symbol of remembrance and to Jerry Q. Lee for his assistance with arrangements.

You will always find an empty POW/MIA chair at our meetings. Cathay Post #186 remains steadfast in our promise: They are not forgotten.

For more information, visit DPAA.mil.

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