Young men of my generation spent the latter part of our teenage years with the possibility of serving in Vietnam occupying our minds. Whether or not we went ourselves, we had friends who served, and a few of those were injured, killed in action, or held as prisoners of war. 

Stanley A. Newell, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Retired, was drafted in September 1966 and was sent to Vietnam in February 1967. He was MIA/POW from July 12, 1967, until March 5, 1973. He was Pekin’s POW, and many of the kids from our high school wore his POW/MIA bracelet and were friends with Stan’s sisters throughout those uncertain years.

It was a joyous occasion when we all learned that Stan survived his ordeal and was released. Thousands came to the airport to meet Stan’s plane and then lined Court Street to see the procession when Stan returned to Pekin on March 24, 1973.

Stan died on January 11, 2024, in Elmore County, Alabama, after living a full and productive life. 

There will be a final chance to honor Stan’s life and service on August 3, 2024, from 1pm to 4pm. 600 American Flags will line the 1.7-mile route on Garmen Road, from Illinois Route 29 to the Marine Corps League, and a huge flag will be hung from two fire engine ladder trucks to decorate the event site. Military personnel will conclude the 3pm presentation segment with a 21-gun salute and TAPS. 

Stan’s sisters and family hope for a large community turnout for this celebration. All are welcome.