News Summary
Jacksonville, Florida, is establishing the first national POW/MIA Memorial and Museum, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers who were prisoners of war or are missing in action. The project, led by local veterans and the nonprofit Cecil Field POW/MIA Memorial Inc., will span 26 acres with an estimated cost of $80 million. The memorial aims to honor over 80,000 missing American soldiers since WWII, providing a resource for families and serving as an educational site. Construction is now underway, with significant community support and funding efforts ongoing.
Jacksonville, Florida is taking steps to honor the sacrifices of soldiers who were prisoners of war (POWs) or are missing in action (MIA) with the unveiling of plans for the first national POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. The project, spearheaded by a group of Jacksonville veterans and the nonprofit organization Cecil Field POW/MIA Memorial Inc., will cover 26 acres and has an estimated cost of approximately $80 million. Construction is already underway following a recent groundbreaking ceremony that drew significant community support, including attendance from POWs and Gold Star families.
The memorial aims to commemorate more than 80,000 American soldiers who have been classified as MIA since World War II. Local veterans emphasize that this memorial will serve as a critical resource for families seeking closure over the loss of their loved ones. A central feature of the project will be the Legacy Plaza, which will showcase a wall inscribed with the names of the missing soldiers and will include exhibits dedicated to the ongoing efforts to find them.
The memorial’s location will be at 6112 POW-MIA Memorial Parkway at Cecil Commerce Center, formerly the site of the Naval Air Station Cecil Field. The mission of this memorial is not only to honor former POWs and missing personnel but also to support the families of the missing. Executive Director Mike Cassata noted that the project aims to ensure that those who are missing are never forgotten while also acting as an educational destination for public remembrance.
The construction of the memorial will unfold in multiple phases. Phase 1, which is currently underway and is expected to cost around $5 million, includes the restoration of the historic military chapel and will feature four aircraft from Cecil Field. The memorial’s centerpiece will be a “Gallery of Light,” designed to project the names of returned soldiers on one side of the hall and the names of the missing on the opposite side, symbolizing the dual nature of acknowledgment and absence.
As of now, funding for the memorial is at 59% completion, sourced from a combination of individual contributions, business donations, grants, and support from the city of Jacksonville. Notably, VyStar Credit Union has made a commitment to match community contributions up to $150,000 for this initial phase. Additionally, both the Jacksonville city government and the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation have pledged $100,000 each to further support this significant initiative. Local congressmen are also engaged in bipartisan efforts to secure national designation for the memorial and museum, which would elevate its status and importance.
The history of military personnel from Florida highlights the ongoing need for such a memorial: there are currently 910 individuals missing from World War II, 157 from the Korean War, and 54 from the Vietnam War. The overall goal of the memorial is to not only honor military service members but also to provide a space for educational programs and activities that engage the general public.
The completion of the memorial project is projected to take seven years or more. As Jacksonville moves forward with this meaningful initiative, the community’s support remains essential. Financial contributions and material donations are being solicited to ensure the success of this significant undertaking. The memorial is expected to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members while also providing a valuable resource for education and remembrance for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Ground Broken for National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum
- Jacksonville.com: National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Update
- Action News Jax: National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Google Search: POW MIA Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prisoner of War
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.
