The Runge Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 9189 held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25 in the Auxiliary Room at the VFW. President Darla Stewart presided. During its meeting, members voted to donate 25 cents per member to the LAVFW's "Health and Happiness Campaign".

POW/MIA Recognition Day was September 16 so the ladies held a ceremony remembering those who have not yet returned from war by setting an empty place at the table. Each item on the table is symbolic of the trials of missing veterans. The single rose is there as a reminder of the lives of each of the missing and their loved ones who keep the faith, still waiting for answers. The candle symbolizes the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. The red ribbon shows our continued determination to account for the missing. A lemon is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt on the plate recalls the tears shed by those missing and their families who seek answers. The inverted glass symbolizes the inability of the POW or MIAs to share in the day's toast. The chair is empty to remind us of their absence.

Following the meeting, Auxiliary members enjoyed cupcakes served by Meta Sparks

The next meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Runge VFW on October 23.