A solemn shadow will be cast over three Kinston McDonald’s locations today as people remember prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.
The flags are being flown as part of a partnership between the fast food restaurant and Kinston’s Veterans in Foreign Wars.
Eric Cantu, commander of the VFW in Kinston, said this is the first year VFW has partnered with McDonald’s.
“We are hoping to bring a little bit more knowledge to the community about prisoners of war,” Cantu said.
Cantu said the partnership is only with the three McDonald’s in Kinston owned by Dixon Foods and is not national in scope.
The flags are being flown at the two McDonald’s locations on West Vernon Avenue and the one on East New Bern Road.
Anthony Herles, swing manager of the store at 612 E. New Bern Road, said he is happy the flag is on display.
“It makes me proud, especially knowing that not a lot of places are doing it,” Herles said.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established by Congress in 1998 and is one of six days during the year in which the POW flag is flown. The day is observed every third Friday of September.
Cantu served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1967 and spent time fighting in Vietnam. He said the day is one of remembrance.
“It’s a day to sit back and reflect on those who have sacrificed for their country,” Cantu said.
Cantu said prisoners of war are something dear to him and he has worked with various government agencies to help find those who are still missing.
While estimates vary, according to the Defense POW, Missing Personnel Office, there are 83,343 soldiers still missing, dating as far back as World War II.
Cantu said while he is happy about the flags being raised at three McDonald’s, he has high hopes for the future.
“I hope someday it will go nationwide,” Cantu said. “But you have to start somewhere.”
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @ nclark763.
Estimated number of soldiers still missing
World War II, 73,661
Korean War, 7,906
Cold War, 126
Vietnam War, 1,644
Iraq and other conflicts, 6