News Summary
Jacksonville held a poignant remembrance ceremony for prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA) at the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. The event honored the sacrifices of military personnel, featuring personal stories, a motorcycle ride with over 250 participants, and a keynote speech from Retired USMC Major General James S. Hartsell. The memorial aims to raise awareness about ongoing efforts for the 82,000 missing military personnel since World War II and highlights the importance of community support for veterans and their families.
Jacksonville commemorated prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA) during a poignant day of remembrance held at the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. The ceremony featured personal accounts, including the harrowing experience of Ted Gostas, who spent over five years as a POW in Vietnam almost 60 years ago. The focus of the event was on honoring both those who endured the trials of captivity and the nearly 82,000 American military personnel currently listed as missing since World War II.
The observance was marked by a ceremonial motorcycle ride that included over 250 participants, showcasing community support for veterans and their families. Events culminated in a ceremony dedicated to missing military personnel, accompanied by community gatherings that offered music and food to attendees. Retired USMC Major General James S. Hartsell delivered the keynote address, underscoring the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Founded with a mission to recognize all POWs and the 140,000 individuals who have experienced similar situations, the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum serves as a critical site for raising awareness about ongoing efforts to locate service members who remain unaccounted for. The museum’s executive director, Ed Turner, noted that there are currently over 80,000 individuals classified as missing since World War II, emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts to identify their whereabouts.
The ceremony also brought attention to proposed legislation, HR-3057, which seeks national recognition for the memorial and aims to facilitate fundraising for the expansion of the museum. The National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum is projected to have an estimated construction cost of $82 million and will be located at the Cecil Commerce Center, the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field.
The memorial project is currently 59% funded, with the initial phase of construction estimated at $5 million. This initial phase includes the restoration of a historic military chapel and the installation of aircraft displays. Plans for the memorial envision a “world-class” facility dedicated to honoring both MIAs and former POWs in the United States, with a focus on educating the public through interactive exhibits and events.
In addition to honoring the fallen, the site is expected to create a sanctuary for families of MIAs and former POWs, providing them a space for reflection and remembrance. The ambitious project seeks not only to memorialize those who have served but also to offer a place for healing and learning for generations to come.
As the day of remembrance unfolded, the community came together to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, offering a collective acknowledgment of the service and the hardships endured by those who fought for freedom. The National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of those affected by the ravages of war, aiming to ensure that no soldier is forgotten.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville Honors POWs, MIAs Remembrance Event
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Bridges to Echo with POW/MIA Tribute Ride
- JD News: POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony Planned
- Jacksonville.com: Ground Broken for National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum
- WITN: Jacksonville Veterans Hold POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Prisoner of War
- Google Search: POW MIA memorial
- Google Scholar: POW MIA memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prisoner of War
- Google News: POW MIA remembrance
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
