POPLAR BLUFF, MO (WSIL) -- The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center invites veterans, their families, and the community to attend a special ceremony. Officials will unveil a new, permanent POW/MIA honor chair and plaque display.
According to information from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 81,500 American servicemembers remain classified as either prisoners of war or missing in action, including 2,264 from Missouri and 953 from Arkansas.
“We’re so honored to recognize those who have sacrificed so much for our country - our prisoners of war and those missing in action,� said Interim Medical Center Director James Warren. “They will never be forgotten, and we hope this display will be a perpetual reminder to all who travel these halls of their selfless service.�
Warren will speak at the unveiling, as will Scott Readnour from the Jefferson Barracks POW/MIA Museum, who will bring a traveling display with several artifacts. Carrie Schimweg, whose father, Master Sgt. Arthur Sanderson, was a POW in World War II, also will speak.
“Please join us as we honor these great men and women and reflect on the sacrifices they have made,� Warren said.
The ceremony will take place September 16th starting at 11:00 a.m. in the main lobby. Since the main entrance doors will be closed for the event, visitors can enter through the north and south doors.
For more information about this and other programs and services at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, call 573-686-4151.
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center
1500 N. Westwood Blvd.
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
