CINNAMINSON - Hundreds of veterans came together Friday to honor those who made it back and to remember the thousands of servicemen who remain missing to this day.

"This is about remembrance," Assemblyman Jack Conners said of the eighth annual POW/MIA Recognition Breakfast he hosted at The Merion on Friday morning.

"American prisoners of war and missing in action are forced to endure conditions most of us would prefer not to even think about, and the grief their loved ones have faced is immeasurable," said Conners, D-7th of Pennsauken. "The courage of both must never be forgotten, and I am proud to hold this event each year to bring awareness to those sacrifices made for our country."

The event, which is held every year on National POW/MIA Day of Remembrance, the third Friday in September, drew about 600 veterans, guests and local officials.

During the ceremony, a small round table at the front of the banquet hall was empty, with place settings for each of the five branches of the military - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy - as well as one setting for civilians who have been reported missing.

"We will never forget those who have been left behind," said Tony Halas of the POW Awareness Committee of Camden and Gloucester counties during the Missing Man Table and Honor Ceremony at the start of Friday's event.

He said that to date, 31,000 service members remain missing from World War I, 78,000 from World War II, 7,990 from the Korean War, 1,731 from the Vietnam War, and one soldier and three civilians from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The Department of Defense is working hard to bring back those who remain missing," Halas said. "It's a big task."

Veteran Anthony "Butch" Tobin of Cinnaminson said the ceremony is a great thing for veterans.

"As a Vietnam veteran I never felt welcomed when I got home. I do now," Tobin said.

Veteran Dan Conaway of Mount Laurel agreed.

"It's great the fact they don't forget the POWs and MIAs and the price they paid for this country," Conaway said.

Sam Ballinger, who fought in World War II with Gen. George S. Patton, said he wouldn't have missed the ceremony.

"I come every year to give some recognition to all (the POWs and MIAs)," the Burlington Township resident said. "I'm glad Jack takes the time to do this."

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-7th of Delanco, said the ceremony can be quite emotional but it reminds everyone of the sacrifices that service members and their families have made.

Veteran Art Veneziale of Cinnaminson said he believes it's essential to recognize those who have paid the "ultimate sacrifice."

"It's important for this country that we honor these great heroes," Veneziale said.