Legionaries of Allen “Pop” Reeves American Legion Post 123 and the American Legion Auxiliary of the Philippines observed POW/MIA Recognition Day at Cabanatuan American Memorial, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, in the morning of Sept. 17, 2022.
The Cabanatuna American Memorial is a World War II memorial. It is in Cabanatuan City. The site of the memorial was once known as Camp Pangatian, a military training camp that operated for 20 years until it was converted into an internment camp for Allied prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation. The memorial was dedicated on April 12, 1982, by survivors of the Bataan Death March and prisoners of war held in Cabanatuna during World War II.
Charles A. Conners wore both hats during the POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony. He was the VFW 2485 post chaplain conducting the opening and closing prayers for the ceremony, and representing Allen "Pop" Reeves American Legion Post 123 as their post commander. The American Legion Department of the Pacific was represented by 2nd Vice Commander Larry Wade. Also, the American Legion Auxiliary of the Philippines was out in full force.