A major step has been taken toward properly honoring military servicemembers who went missing in action or became prisoners of war. U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren and Marco Rubio have introduced a bill to the Senate and House that focuses on admiring the incredible sacrifice that these soldiers have made for their country.
Commemorative chair set to honor POW/MIA
The National POW/MIA Remembrance Act will establish a permanent chair on the grounds of the United States Capitol. There are currently 91,662 servicemembers that the commemorative chair will honor. According to eNews Park Forest, the legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by senators Robert Menendez, Sherrod Brown, Pat Toomey, Jeanne Shaheen, Edward J. Markey and Kelly Ayotte.
Warren has three brothers who served in the military, noting that she knows firsthand how much the loved ones of military servicemembers have to sacrifice. Just as important as it is to honor those who fought and returned home safely to their families, it is crucial that the country remembers those who were never able to return home. The National POW/MIA Remembrance Act will serve as a reminder of the lives of these men and women.
More than honor
Lynch noted that the U.S Capitol is one of the most powerful symbols of the country's history and accomplishments. The prisoners of war and those missing in action have served the nation with bravery and honor, leaving no better location to remember them. The chair will serve as a long-lasting reminder to their loved ones and the nation as a whole that we will never take their service for granted.
"I am proud to support this commemorative act to honor the thousands of POW/MIA servicemembers and their families, all of who have made great sacrifices for the protection and freedom of our nation," Sen. Rubio noted in a written statement, according to eNews Park Forest. "While this can't fully express our gratitude to these brave men and women, this small act will serve as a reminder to everyone who visits the U.S. Capitol to never forget the service and sacrifices of our armed forces and their families."
It is more than just honor and remembrance that we owe MIA and POW servicemembers, but a tremendous debt that we must work to repay every day.