VA Medical Center to unveil POW/MIA display on Sept. 16

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff will host a special ceremony for all veterans, their families and caregivers, along with members of the community to Sept. 16 to unveil a new, permanent POW/MIA honor chair and plaque display.

The ceremony will take place starting at 11 a.m. in the main lobby at 1500 N. Westwood Blvd., and because the main entrance doors will be closed for the event, visitors can enter through the north and south doors.

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.

For more information about this and other programs and services at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, call 573-686-4151.