ADK BANK CENTER UNVEILS POW MEMORIAL CHAIR
Nov 10, 2017UTICA, N.Y. - Earlier today, the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium held an unveiling ceremony for its new POW Chair Memorial in Section 215 of the inner concourse.
The ceremony, led by Rick Redmond, General Manager of the Adirondack Bank Center, was primarily a tribute to American prisoners of war and those missing in action. Redmond, a Combat-Disabled Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, spoke to the importance of not only remembering our Veterans, but also remembering those who have been taken captive and those who we hope will return home to American soil unharmed. Representatives from several local veteran organizations were present, as well as members of the AUD Authority.
The ceremonial chair sits behind a velvet rope in the former camera well located in Section 215. A plaque sits in front of the chair reminding all those who view it of the sacrifices made by the over 85,000 POWs who have yet to return home.
“It’s a true honor to be involved with the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium and to continue to remember those that have served our country,” said Redmond. “Our POW/MIA chair monument honors those who are prisoners of war or missing and symbolizes that there will always be a seat waiting for their return.”
“The reception given to the Camden VFW 6530 by the Adirondack Bank Center was really heartwarming,” said Evan Thorn, Camden VFW 6530 commander. “The placement of the chair is really great because not only is it a seat for a POW to come home to but it also serves as a reminder to everyone who attends events at the Adirondack Bank Center of the incredible sacrifices made every day by those men and women serving our country.”
The POW Chair Memorial, with an American flag wall wrap behind it, will stand tall for all events moving forward at the Adirondack Bank Center. The unveiling ceremony was the first of many events planned during the Utica Comets Military Appreciation Night – a night to honor those who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms.