News Summary
This Saturday, Jacksonville will come alive with over 250 motorcycles participating in the Annual Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony. This event honors America’s prisoners of war and the 80,000 military personnel missing since World War II. The ride will begin at Adamec HD Baymeadows, wind across seven bridges, and conclude at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum with a ceremony and community gathering featuring live music and BBQ, aiming to foster unity and support for military families.
Jacksonville to Host Annual Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony
Jacksonville will see more than 250 motorcycles roar to life this Saturday as the city hosts the Annual Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony. This event serves as a tribute to America’s prisoners of war and the more than 80,000 military personnel who remain unaccounted for since World War II.
The motorcycle ride will begin at Adamec HD Baymeadows and wind its way across seven bridges, crossing the St. Johns River, before concluding at the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum located at Cecil Field. This year’s ride is expected to be police-escorted to ensure the safety of participants and to accommodate the large motorcycle procession.
Following the ride, a solemn ceremony will be held at the memorial site that honors those who are missing in action. The event will also feature a community gathering where attendees can enjoy live music, barbecue provided by the Rotary Club North Jax, and a variety of food trucks. The Matt Altman Band will provide musical entertainment during the gathering.
Keynote Speaker and Community Engagement
Retired USMC Major General James S. Hartsell will serve as the keynote speaker for this meaningful occasion. The combined ride and ceremony aim not only to honor the sacrifices made by veterans but also to foster community support for military families. The gathering encourages participants to reflect on the significance of the event and to unite in support of those who have served.
Construction of the National POW/MIA Memorial
The National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum, which is valued at approximately $82 million, is currently under construction with an aim to educate the public about the history and experiences of POWs and MIAs through various exhibits and programs. The memorial is situated at 6112 POW-MIA Memorial Parkway at Cecil Commerce Center, a site that previously served as the Naval Air Station Cecil Field.
The first phase of the memorial project includes the renovation of an historic military chapel and plans for displaying military aircraft. This phase of the project is estimated to cost around $5 million and is currently 59% funded. The entire project is expected to take about five years to complete.
Understanding the Missing in Action
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 82,000 American military personnel have been unaccounted for since the end of World War II. The Seven Bridges POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ride & Ceremony is designed to ensure that the sacrifices made by these individuals do not go unforgotten, serving as a reminder to future generations of the bravery and dedication exhibited by American service members.
As the event draws closer, participants and supporters in Jacksonville are preparing to pay homage to those who have served, ensuring a day filled with remembrance, community spirit, and hope for the families of the missing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Unveils First National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum
Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Bridges to Echo with POW/MIA Tribute Ride
- Wikipedia: POW/MIA
- Jax Daily Record: Hillwood Seeks Permit for Office Work
- Google Search: POW MIA Recognition Day
- Jacksonville.com: Ground Broken for National POW/MIA Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prisoner of War
- Jax Daily Record: JinkoSolar Expanding
- Google News: National POW MIA Memorial
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.
