President Bush names April 9

"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush signed a proclamation Thursday (April 4, 2002) making April 9, 2002, Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. The president called on federal, state and local government officials and private organizations to observe the day with ceremonies and activities."

As Tuesday, April 9, 2002 was named Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the town of Burlington showed its respect by raising a 30 ft x 20 ft POW/MIA Flag in honor of these men and women. The flag flew from the flagpole at 127 Cambridge Street near the high school football field.

Charlie Bevilacqua, of Burlington, is the caretaker of this tremendous POW/MIA Flag. Mr. Bevilacqua approached Vini Deluca of Prudential Suburban Realtors about flying the flag at the Prudential location in honor of the day, and Mr. Deluca supported the idea.

Assisting Mr. Deluca in putting the huge flag up were Ted Naddaff and R.V. Nathan, also of Suburban Realtors, Mr. Bevilacqua, Ellie White of Woburn, and Bob Hogan, Burlington’s Veterans Agent.