Wareham town buildings to fly new American, POW/MIA flags

Sep 17, 2018

Sacrifices made by veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action can never be repaid, but two Wareham groups have taken a step to ensure they’re not forgotten. 

The Friends of the Wareham Veterans Council and Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of Elks No. 73 raised $1,400 to purchase American and POW/MIA flags to be flown at a number of buildings around town. Those include the Municipal Maintenance Department, several schools, cemeteries, the inside of the high school’s auditorium, the sewer department and others. Looking ahead, the group will raise funds to install solar lights where the flags are flown outside. According to flag etiquette, U.S. flags should be illuminated at night. 

Bob Powilatis, president of the Friends of the Wareham Veterans Council, said the American flags will replace worn out ones. Also some of the buildings will start flying POW/MIA flags for the first time. He said the group is dedicated to recognizing veterans. 

“That’s why we do what we do. This is for the vets, their spouses and their children. We should never forget their sacrifice and make past, present and future generations aware of their patriotism,” said Powilatis.

On Monday morning, Powilatis, along with Ted Hatch, a member of the Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of Elks No. 73, donated an American and POW/MIA flag to Fire Chief Matt Rowley and other firefighters during a brief ceremony. There, the old flag was retired and the two new ones were hoisted in front of the fire station.