Re: National POW-MIA Memorial Bill Advances

Date: April 30, 2004

"POW, MIA shrine bill advances

MEMORIAL: A sculpture created for a Riverside cemetery is proposed as a national monument.

By CLAIRE VITUCCI / Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - A bill that would make Riverside National Cemetery's POW/MIA memorial a national monument when it opens could soon make it to the House floor for a vote, a congressional aide said Thursday.

The legislation, authored by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, would establish the first national memorial honoring both prisoners of war and those missing in action.

"The POW/MIA memorial at the Riverside National Cemetery would ... fulfill the need for a permanent place where we can remember and honor all veterans who, in service to this nation, sacrificed their physical and mental well-being as prisoners of war," said Calvert, who testified before the House Veterans subcommittee on benefits Thursday.

The monument would also "recognize the plight of the more than 89,000 military men and women who did not return home ... our MIAs," Calvert said.

Artist Lewis Lee Millett Jr. of Idyllwild created the POW/MIA sculpture for the cemetery. It depicts a kneeling POW, arms pinioned behind his back by a bamboo pole and eyes turned skyward. Supporters are hoping the sculpture will be in place at the cemetery by National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 15.

"It's important to have a national POW/MIA memorial because there are still people MIA out there," Millett said by telephone. "I want to bring attention to the POW/MIA issue. We have to care especially for those who are putting their lives and hopes and dreams on the line for us."Reach Claire Vitucci at (202) 661-8422 or at cvitucci@pe.com"