NEWPORT – For the seventh year, cadets from the Junior ROTC at Nokomis Regional High School will stand a silent vigil Friday at the flagpole in memory of Maine’s missing in action and prisoners of war.

First Sgt. John McKim, adviser to the JROTC, brought the vigil to Nokomis when the cadet program was first initiated. He once explained to a reporter the vigil is an effort to teach the local cadets “patriotism, respect for those who died and for those who are still missing, history, national pride and a little bit of personal pride.”

The young cadets will be joined at the flagpole by veterans from throughout the area.

The vigil will begin at 8 a.m. with the raising of the colors and end with taps at 3 p.m.

Veterans and individuals are invited to participate in the remembrance event. For more information, contact Heidi Ervin or Sgt. McKim at 368-5239.