Growing up, I often heard stories of bravery and sacrifice from our soldiers who served in various wars. Many of these courageous individuals were my friends and relatives. Their tales were filled with heroism, yet tethered with sorrow, especially for those who never made it back. The weight of their absence still lingers in the hearts of families and friends. The anguish is particularly deep for those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. They were sent to foreign lands on missions of peace and protection, but never returned to rest in the soil of their nation’s cherished burial grounds.

Currently, $10 million has been earmarked for the construction of a statue at Arlington Cemetery. While commemorating history is critical, creating a monument specifically honoring our Missing in Action (MIA) and Prisoners of War (POW) soldiers feels like a more fitting tribute. Arlington Cemetery holds profound resonance as a symbol of military sacrifice. By erecting a statue in their honor here, we send a strong message of gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made by our lost heroes.

Not only would this monument serve as a perpetual reminder of their service, but it would also provide solace to all who visit the hallowed grounds, offering a sacred space for reflection and remembrance. It is a gesture that acknowledges the profound loss faced by the friends and families of these unsung heroes and shows our collective appreciation.

Allocating the existing $10 million budget toward a memorial tailored for our MIA/POW skeletons would be a testament to those who laid down their lives in anonymity. It would transform into a beacon of hope and respect, correcting an oversight in our national consciousness and honoring those who served without return.

Sign this petition to urge the authorities to reallocate the funds for this deserving cause and let us give these soldiers the recognition and honor they rightly deserve at Arlington Cemetery. Together, we can stand for those who stood for us.