Cumberland County put up a permanent Missing Man Table at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse on Monday. The table honors Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The ceremony took place Nov. 3 at the courthouse, which stands at 117 Dick St. in Fayetteville.
Three groups hosted the ceremony: the Cumberland County Veterans Services Office, Veterans Council, and Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter One. You'll find the table on the first floor.
Every piece on the table means something. Each item stands for the courage, hope, and sacrifice connected to those still missing. This setting pays tribute to service members who haven't been accounted for from wars long past.
Ann Provencher ran the event as emcee. She's Vice President of Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter One and Secretary of the Cumberland County Veterans Council. Local leaders and veterans groups came together for the dedication.
"Here in Cumberland County, service is who we are," said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a news release. "The Missing Man Table reminds us that some of our nation's bravest never made it home. As an Army veteran, I'm proud to live in a community that honors their sacrifice every day."
Several people got thanks during the ceremony. County Manager Clarence Grier was recognized for supporting veteran programs. Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens received recognition, too.
Eric Redrick, who directs Cumberland County Veterans Services, was honored. The Cumberland County Veterans Council got praise for what it does to serve those who served.
Thousands will see the table each year because it's in the courthouse. Visitors and county workers will encounter this memorial when they arrive for court dates and other appointments.