“Honor, sacrifice, loneliness and sorrow for the men that are missing and families that long for their return.”

Speaking about a night with perhaps 200 attendees, PDC Mike Arner of Leonardo Squadron 338 reflects on the 35th Annual POW/MIA Watchfire, run by the Detachment of New Jersey in Seaside Heights, N.J.

The event honors NJ'’s POW/MIA servicemen throughout American history – held each year on the weekend of POW/MIA Recognition Day, always the third Friday of September.

It starts at 7 p.m. with ceremonies and speeches, followed by dinner and the reading of NJ's missing. The Watchfire continues for 12 hours until its conclusion the next day. Throughout the overnight, a huge bonfire on the bay side of Seaside Heights is continuously fed – representing a light being shined to help those POWs and MIAs find their way home.

It is a night focused on remembering – honoring the service of the over 1,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who since World War II never made it home. The numbers of unaccounted-for personnel are staggering, currently at 83,000 nationally since the first world war. The Watchfire is one small way for our state and country to pay tribute in memoriam to their service and sacrifice.

“May the Watchfire only grow better and stronger," notes Past National Vice Commander Tom Marsden from New Jersey, “…as it reminds America to never forget and bring them home.”

After an opening ceremony that includes an explanation of the POW/MIA Missing-Man Table, the POW flag, poems and readings, veterans from throughout the state read the names of New Jersy’s missing, noting their branch of service. For some, it even has a heavier impact as they knew or served with names on that roll.

The fire is stoked by Sons and volunteers throughout the night, who stand vigil in memory of the missing.

The event is unique and was attended this year by newly elected Sons National Commander William “Bill” Clancy III on his official visit to the Garden State. Clancy participated in feeding the fire as well, tossing pallets into the bonfire.

At 7 a.m. the next morning, those who have stayed up all night along with others rally again to end the vigil with a closing ceremony and prayer. The hope is that with this POW/MIA Watchfire, the detachment brings awareness to the fact that so many gave their all in service to their country – and never made it home.