A group has awarded the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with the “Chair of Honor,” a symbol of the loss of life of those who served in the Armed Forces and did not return home.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office accepted the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor donated by Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 2.
A ceremony was held last week and the Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 2 unveiled the Chair of Honor, officially turning it over to the sheriff’s office.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the sheriff’s office was selected for the honor because of the office’s commitment to those who have served, are serving or will serve in the United States of America Armed Forces.
“The POW/MIA Chair of Honor is a commemorative symbol of the sacrifices made by American Military Families. The loss of life and the unfinished stories of those who never returned home is what the Chair represents,” Covelli said.
“It is a reminder to all that these men and women must be found and returned to their families,” Covelli said.
The chair has been developed through a coordinated effort by National Rolling Thunder and the Hussey Seating Company.
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Training Room where those attending community meetings, community training sessions and law enforcement training sessions will be able to see it.
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor is displayed at several locations across the United States, including the United States Capitol, Illinois State Capitol, Gillette Stadium, Soldier Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, Guaranteed Rate Field and Chicago City Hall.
“As Americans, we have a moral obligation to find, identify, and repatriate our nation’s service men and women. The impact of a soldier missing in action spans many generations and transcends political issues, social issues and any contemporary controversy. We must never forget their sacrifice regardless of the era of loss. This Chair of Honor is to remind us to… Never Forget,” Retired Army Colonel Wayne Kirkpatrick of Rolling Thunder, Inc, said.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said the chair will serve as a “constant reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave service members and their families.”
“It is a symbol of our commitment to always honor and remember those who are prisoners of war or missing in action, and as a Marine Corps Veteran, I am so proud our Office will serve as a permanent display of the POW/MIA Chair of Honor,” he said.