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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Former prisoners of war will be honored Friday in a ceremony on the lawn of the Governor's Mansion.

The ceremony will coincide with National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

It will be hosted by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Illinois American Ex-Prisoners of War.

The affair will honor all Illinois ex-POWs and "recognize the courage and sacrifices by those held in captivity while defending our nation," Veterans Affairs officials said.

It will include a military salute, anthems, a "missing man" ceremony and a yellow ribbon ceremony at the White Oak tree in the yard of the mansion.

All veterans, service organizations and the public are invited.

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