A local group is inviting the community to gather Friday to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
The American Legion Auxiliary will hold a ceremony at 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at the downtown Tyler square to commemorate POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed nationwide on the third Friday of September. The event honors America’s prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and their families. This annual service is hosted by the Tyler-based auxiliary unit.
This year’s guest is Katherine “Katy” Griffiths Yelas Meyer, whose family was taken prisoner by the Japanese in the most northern province of Luzon in 1940. Her father, Capt. Al Griffiths, a noncombatant, was an Episcopal priest in the U.S. Army in the 1930s during the Sino-Japanese War when Japan had invaded China. The Japanese captured Lozun on July 7, 1937 and they worked their way up the northern provinces.
Katy was two years old when they were taken prisoner, along with other British and American civilians who were working as missionaries. They spent 18 months hiding out and moving place to place to prevent being captured. The local Tingguian people supplied them with food and clothing.
The events are recounted in “Guerrilla Priest,” written by her young brother Stephen Griffiths who is the author of several books and currently lives in Oregon. He recounts prison life in Bilibid, a former mission encampment and the struggles that the civilians ensured until Liberation on Feb. 4, 1945 by MacArthur’s 1st Cavalry and 37th Infantry.
Those who plan to attend Friday’s ceremony are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and meet near the corner of Ferguson Street and South Broadway Avenue on the square.
For more information, contact American Legion Auxiliary spokesperson Wanda Barber at 903-617-4006.
