Foxborough Student to Hold Ceremony to Recognize Those Who Haven't Come Home

There are many Eagle Scout projects that Foxborough High School student John Mitchell could have chosen. Helping to clean up debris in town, assisting in building bookcases or clothing racks and while these projects certainly serve the community in a spirited means, Mitchell decided to choose a path less travelled.

"I wanted to do something different that has never been done before," said Mitchell.

Mitchell soon embarked on a mission to start a new tradition in Foxborough - the observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

National POW/MIA Recognition is observed on the third Friday in September and honors United States Military personnel taken as prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action.

Mitchell, a talented musician, noted that the ceremony to recognize POW/MIA Recognition Day is his final Eagle Scout project and upon the project's completion, he will become an Eagle Scout.

Mitchell hopes to start an annual tradition in Foxborough that will carry over to other towns. 

“It’s a day that doesn’t get a lot of recognition from most people,” he said. 

Beginning at 6pm on Sept. 16, a three-person honor guard will be presiding over a ‘Remembrance Table’ on the Common for 24 hours.  The table will consist of items symbolizing various things that soldiers who are not returning home this year will miss. Items, such as an inverted drinking class, symbolizes the soldiers inability to toast with their families. 

"POWs/MIAs are unable to be with their families, so we pay tribute to them and witness their continued absence," said Mitchell.

Mitchell will be recruiting veterans and boy scouts to stand for two-hour shifts as part of the honor guard.

The service will conclude at 5:00pm Sept. 17 with the presenting of an American Flag to a prominent Foxborough citizen.

As Mitchell looks to his future, he says one thing is for certain, "community service will always be in his life."

"I grew up with my parents taking me to community service events and having me participate on various projects. I know that I will continue to serve my community throughout my life," said Mitchell.