Bean Reintroduces National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act to Designate National Landmark

WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) reintroduced his bill, the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act to designate the POW/MIA Memorial and Museum at Cecil Field as a national landmark to honor, connect, inspire, and educate the American people about members of the Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war (POWs) and those who became missing in action (MIA) in our nation's conflicts.

Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Daniel Webster (FL-10), Andre Carson (IN-07), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Scott Franklin (FL-18).

"Throughout our nation's wars and conflicts, more than 223,000 American service members have been listed as POW/MIA. We owe it to those service members and their families to ensure that our nation never forgets. This memorial will give Americans a unique opportunity to honor the immense sacrifice made by our POWs and serve as a powerful reminder of the service members whose fates are still unknown," said Congressman Bean.

"We extend our gratitude to Rep. Aaron Bean for reintroducing legislation to designate the POW/MIA Memorial and Museum in Jacksonville, FL, as the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. As a national destination and a 26 acre complex that tells the stories of, recognizes and preserves the legacy of POWs and MIAs in all services from WWII to present day conflicts, this bipartisan legislation acknowledges the multi-faceted, dynamic construction and emphasis on educating future generations. Families, veterans, educators and the general public will be able to absorb the history of the POW/MIA flag and accounting efforts, reflect, seek solace and honor POWs and MIAs throughout the campus," said Pam Cain, Director of the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum.

BACKGROUND

The National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum has received support from the National League of POW/MIA Families, Rolling Thunder National, National Naval Aviation Museum, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and the City of Jacksonville.

According to the Department of Defense, there are more than 142,000 service members who have been captured as prisoners of war, and more than 81,000 service members listed as missing in action from the outset of World War II.

View bill text HERE.

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