The Wareham Elks Lodge was presented with a POW/MIA chair Monday night, the second chair Eastern Bank has given to a Wareham group this year.

Eastern Bank gave the first chair to Wareham Town Hall. The empty chair signifies those who are no longer able to sit with their family and friends because they were prisoners of war or missing in action.

The chairs donated by Eastern Bank were surplus chairs the bank had and were refurbished by veterans Bob Powilatis and Tom Cookinham. They have the POW/MIA flag on them and a plaque. The plaque reads, in part, "We are ever mindful that enduring peace comes by great sacrifice."

Rose Berry, the Eastern Bank manager, presented the chair at the Elks Lodge.

"Thank you for allowing me to do this," Berry said. She said the cause is important to her because her father and husband are veterans.

"I think it's important for our generation now to understand what has happened in the past that has affected their future," Berry said.

More chairs will be donated in the community as there is a desire for them.

"As many as requested, we will produce," Berry said. "We're always doing good things to help people prosper."

The donation comes right before National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which takes place Sept. 15.