Soledad, CA—On Friday, August 30, at 7:30 a.m., the City of Soledad, in partnership with local Veterans, raised the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag in a ceremony that was the first of its kind in Monterey County.

The Soledad Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Cadets, commanded by Captain Pete Gomez (Ret), kicked off the ceremony. Over 20 people, including veterans, were in attendance.

“It is great that the City of Soledad acknowledges the importance of not only raising the POW/MIA Flag but also having a ceremony and leaving it up for the entire month of September,” says Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson, the United States Marine Corps Veteran.

“It is an honor to see the POW/MIA Flag flown to let everyone know – you are not forgotten,” says Army Veteran Tony Virrueta.

Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez adds: “I am humbled to have been part of the city’s ad hoc flag policy committee establishing the observance of the POW/MIA flag at city hall and demonstrating our commitment to never forget our Nation’s heroes who remain unaccounted for as prisoners of war as well as those who are still missing in action.

It is now our duty to never forget nor rest until all our unaccounted veterans are safely returned home! We hope to inspire all California cities to do the same. You are not forgotten!”

Speakers included Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez, Mayor Pro Tem Maria Corralejo, Councilmembers Fernando Cabrera, Fernando Ansaldo-Sanchez, Eva Banuelos, Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson, Army Veteran Tony Virrueta, and American Legion Commander Juan R. Baltierra.

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