Nov. 24, 2003 – American Legion Viggo E. Sewer Post 131 will honor prisoners of war, those missing in action and service men and women now on duty with displays on Thanksgiving Day.
Look for displays in Cruz Bay Park and at the intersection of Centerline Road and Route 107 in Coral Bay.
Each display focuses on a table set for one.
"As a prisoner you are alone," said Elmo Rabsatt, who serves as vice commander of the organization.
Other symbolic items include a white tablecloth to represent purity of intent, a single rose to signify the blood they may have shed to ensure freedom, an inverted glass because the prisoner or person missing in action cannot toast.
It also includes a candle as a light of hope and an American flag to remind us that many may never return.
The Viggo E. Sewer Post was reactivated about two years ago. Its name honors a U.S. Army soldier from St. John who was the first to die in the Korean War from all the Virgin Islands.
"Feb. 5, 1953," said his brother, Aubrey Sewer, speaking of the day his brother was killed more than 50 years ago.
The post meets at Oppenheimer Beach on the North Shore Road the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.
Rabsatt said the post has about 20 members. Membership is open to anyone who served in the military, their children and their fathers. While the American Legion is an organization for men, Rabsatt said he will propose a change in the bylaws to allow women to belong.
"There are lots of women in the military," he said. There currently is no woman's auxiliary in St. John.
Call Rabsatt at 693-8557 for more information.
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