Lodi's American Legion post paid tribute Sunday to a Morada couple whose uncle disappeared in either northern Africa or southern Europe during World War II.

Ken Kramlich, membership chairman for the Legion's Area 3 and a former Lodi post commander, called Juan and Maria Aguirre to the front of a packed house during Sunday's tribute to veterans conducted at the American Legion Hall.

Juan Aguirre's uncle, Adolph Aguirre, an airman with the 44th Heavy Bombardment Group from the 67th squadron, was on a plane from northern Africa to Foggia, Italy, in 1942. The plane went down, but no one ever found the plane. Nor did anyone find Adolph Aguirre's body, according to his nephew, who is too young to have met him.

However, the Aguirres want their two small children to learn about the military and the sacrifices service men and women have made for the United States.

The tribute to the prisoners of war and those missing in action was a somber portion the Legion's Veterans Day observance before a packed house of 200 or more at the Legion Hall.