September 15, 2008 — The three branches of the University of Virginia ROTC program will hold a 24-hour vigil for American service members held as prisoners of war or reported missing in action, starting Monday at 5:30 p.m. on the north steps of the Rotunda.
 
Cadets and midshipmen will march in one-hour shifts through the night, culminating with a ceremony Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

David Harker, outreach coordinator for the Virginia Department of Veterans' Services and a former prisoner of war in Vietnam from 1967 to 1973, will be the guest speaker. The Lynchburg native plans to speak on common good and the benefits of people working together.

During Tuesday's ceremonies, the Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard will conduct a traditional 21-gun salute. Air Force Col. Daniel Doty will give the closing remarks and the ceremonies will end with "Taps."

This year's vigil and ceremony, which are open to the public, are sponsored by the Arnold Air Society.