Crane Army Salutes Former POWs and MIAs

CRANE, Ind. - For more than 30 years Crane Army Ammunition Activity has ensured the phrase enshrined on the iconic POW/MIA flag, "You are not forgotten," remains true. Crane Army continued this tribute by observing Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day with a flag ceremony Sept. 20, 2018.

Crane Army continued the tradition this year by honoring Mrs. Naomi Summerlot, the widow of a former POW who came in honor of her late husband, Ray Summerlot.

The Summerlots were married 49 years and used to attend these ceremonies together. When Ray Summerlot passed away 19 years ago, Naomi kept coming.

"I've been coming for nearly 30 years," Summerlot said. "It's the only place I know of where the widows are acknowledged. We were really an important part of POWs' lives."

The ceremony also included remarks from Crane leadership, a special flag raising ceremony by the Bloomfield High School NJROTC cadets and a firing party from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9627 in Odon, Indiana.

During the event, Col. Michael Garlington, commander of Crane Army Ammunition Activity, read a poem titled, "Those Now Gone" by Roger Hancock and talked about the significance of recognizing POWs and those still missing in action.

"Our service members have been through a lot over the years of fighting our country's wars; doing that which we volunteered to do," Garlington said. "We also recognize the family members left to endure the pain of freedom's cost."

Garlington presented Summerlot with yellow flowers for her sacrifice and dedication to this nation.

The ceremony concluded with the firing of a three-volley gun salute and the playing of Taps to honor the fallen and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions requirements in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base installations under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants.