VA Butler Healthcare Healthcare observed National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday, Sept. 15, with a presentation that included the reading of the presidential proclamation, a missing man table and a moment of silence.

“On behalf of the VA Butler Healthcare Healthcare System, we will never forget the sacrifices of the POWs and we will never forget those who remain missing. Those brave men and women and their loved ones have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms of this great country, and for that we will be forever grateful” said Sharon Coyle, executive director.

Coyle and other members of the leadership team also visited four prisoners of war at their homes to thank them for their service and presented them with gifts of appreciation from the VA Butler Healthcare’s Voluntary Services Program and the Butler County commissioners.

The veterans were World War II Army Sgt. John Durisko, of Hermitage, Mercer County; World War II Air Force 1st Lt. Wallace King, of New Wilmington, Lawrence County; Korean War Army Cpl. Harold Beerbower, of Meadville, Crawford County; and Vietnam War Navy Petty Officer 2nd class Hilles Miles, of Edinburg, Lawrence County.