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American Legion’s Milltown Post Family Brings Awareness of a Veteran and POW/MIA

By Carol A. Gasser Moore

LAKELAND, Georgia – Milltown Post 336 remembered one of its members, Royce Dill (78) and all veterans who are POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing In Action) at its February meeting. Regularly the Milltown Post sets a place for POW/MIA veterans at its table for a dinner or in a room for a meeting.  Less frequently, the group formally recognizes one of its veteran members, who has made life’s final transition.

Royce E. Dill passed away on January 23.  He served his country in the United states Navy from 1965 until 1969.  Along with members of the American Legion Milltown Post 336, Sons of American Legion Squadron 336, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 336, his daughter Jodi Marcello, who is active with the American Legion Auxiliary, formally honored his service and his memory at the Post’s February meeting.

Services such as the Milltown Post’s service bring awareness to the public about both those who have honorably served in the United States military as well as service members still listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.

“It’s important for people to recognize our veterans and equally it is important for people to not lose sight of the message of POWs and the MIAs as they are still missing,” said Milltown Post 336 Commander Clifford Hall. “It’s more of a message of remembrance to make sure we’ll never lose touch with their contributions and sacrifices.”

Hall went on to say, “It’s just important in my eyes, being a veteran, to acknowledge and remember that we still have active, retired and lost soldiers that may never be found.  It doesn’t give the families closure which is an important element for families to move on.”

Even with Hall’s acknowledgement, it was evident to those attending their February ceremony that their Auxiliary member Jodi Marcello, daughter of veteran Dill, the ceremony served as a meaningful element in her transition of experiencing life with her father beyond.

It was also evident t Dill’s Memorial Service a few days later than he was far from forgotten as flags flew in the brisk breeze outside of Lakeland Methodist Church that Milltown’s Post 336 members were there supporting and honoring Royce Dill’s memory and family.

Thank each veteran for his or her service!  It is important to never forget these heroic men and women.

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