MANCHESTER – During a recent Township Council meeting, Mayor Joseph Hankins honored representatives of the township’s Veterans Affairs Commission and female police officers with proclamations in recognition of two specially designated days.
The first was POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) Recognition Day. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday in September to honor American prisoners of war and service members who remain missing in action.
Reading the proclamation the mayor noted, “throughout our nation’s history, brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to defend the freedoms we hold dear, often at tremendous personal sacrifice. Thousands of American service members remain missing in action from conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars – their fates unresolved and their families left without answers.”
He added, “National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year to honor the service and sacrifice of American prisoners of war and those still missing in action and to renew our nation’s commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of these missing service members.”
The resolution explains that the black and white POW/MIA flag stands as a solemn reminder of the duty of those who have not returned home and of the families who continue to wait for word on their loved ones.
Council President Michele Zolezi noted that Manchester was a community that was always highly supportive of the veteran community and that the recognition was well deserved.
Next it was time for five policewomen to be recognized for National Policewomen’s Day. The resolution recognized the invaluable contributions of women who serve law enforcement upholding the law and protecting the safety and well being of residents. “Women in policing have demonstrated extraordinary courage, dedication and professionalism in service to their communities, often overcoming significant barriers to build distinguished careers in law enforcement.
Chief Antonio Ellis said, “Thank you to the women in law enforcement. We have five women officers that work for us and that is the most in our history and they are awesome. They do a great job.”
Councilwoman Sandy Drake who is a retired township policewoman expressed her gratitude to the officers who came up to receive the proclamation. She said she was glad to see more policewomen were part of the force.
Councilwoman Judy Noonan also congratulated the officers for their role in maintaining peace and order as part of the Manchester Police Department.
Council President Zolezi also thanked the policewomen of the community for being part of the department and demonstrating the same dedication and professionalism as their male counterparts noting that the township’s police department was among the best in the state and Ocean County.
