Archive: Around Town

Tompkins County will lower flags to half-staff Saturday, November 22, in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Michael James Barra, the Korean War veteran and native son of Tompkins County whose remains will be laid to rest this weekend.

Sgt. Barra died as a prisoner of war after being captured in 1950, along with approximately 8,000 other servicemen.  His remains have been identified and are being returned to Ithaca, with services Saturday.

In directing flags to be lowered to half-staff, County Legislature Chair Michael Lane stated, "As a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Sgt. Barra gave his life in the service of his country and community.  We in Tompkins County are thankful for that service, and are gratified that his remains have now been found, identified,  and returned to his family in Ithaca.  We honor not only his memory, but the memory of so many others still missing.  We trust that one day they too will be returned to their families and communities."

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