CHALFONT, Penn.–Merck Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union has unveiled a POW/MIA National Chair of Honor during a dedication ceremony at its Collegeville, Penn. branch.
The chair was previously displayed in the credit union’s Lansdale, Penn., branch and will travel to be displayed at other Merck Sharp & Dohme branches, including Upper Gwynedd, New Britain Township and Harleysville.
The National Chair of Honor is an empty chair cordoned off by a velvet rope and flanked by the American and POW/MIA flags. A chair sits empty with inscription declaring, “You Are Not Forgotten. Since World War II, more than 82,000 soldiers are unaccounted for.” The unoccupied seat is a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving this country, according to the credit union.
The dedication ceremony included a presentation by Dave Whitehead, CEO of Merck Sharp & Dohme, speaking about what remembrance meant personally and to the families of those affected by the loss of military veterans of this country.
According to the $580-million credit union, Patrick J. Hughes, a Rolling Thunder Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, brought the National Chair of Honor program to its attention.