Burlington County Freeholders marked National POW/MIA Recognition Day by creating a memorial at Historic Smithville Park. 

Participating in the planting of a memorial tree were Commander Dan Sowinski of Mount Holly VFW Post 2692; Army Veteran Fidencio Milanes of Westampton; Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio; and, Walt Tafe, Director of Burlington County’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs. 

The memorial site also includes an engraved stone honoring POWs and MIAs, as well as an antique bench from the historic village, which was dedicated to a great-grandson of Hezikiah Smith, founder of the turn-of-the-century industrial site.

The grandson, Justin Pié, was listed as MIA in World War II. 

POW/MIA Recognition Day is the third Friday in September each year.