Kentucky Speedway, in partnership with the USO, today dedicated a POW/MIA Chair of Honor, which is a permanent tribute to all United States Prisoners of War (POW) and Soldiers Missing in Action (MIA).
Courtesy of Kentucky Speedway
The chair will sit empty at all times on the concourse level near the Bluegrass Club in recognition of American soldiers who never returned home and those who suffered in captivity during military service.
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor is all-black with the words “You Are Not Forgotten” inscribed underneath the POW/MIA insignia.
The dedication coincided with the National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
COL Fred W. Bates V, Commander 238TH Rgt., Kentucky National Guard spoke at the ceremony. American Legion Post 41 from Carrollton, Kentucky presented the nation’s colors.
“We are honored to partner with the Kentucky Speedway to memorialize our POW/MIA’s with this Chair of Honor,” said Executive Director for the USO Central and Southern Ohio, Sherry Ems. “As we continue to serve our current service members, we can never forget the sacrifice made over the years by our POW/MIA’s. May this chair be a reminder to never forget our POW/MIA’s and the sacrifices of their families.”
The POW/MIA Chair of Honor program began in Boston in 2012 and has since spread throughout the country. It was developed to honor the 91,000 service members who remain unaccounted for since World War II.
“We are honored to be a part of this program and to again work with the USO to recognize our service men and women,” said Mark Simendinger, Kentucky Speedway General Manager. “As thousands of race fans each year visit the seat, they will be reminded of the sacrifice made by our soldiers and their families for our freedom. What a great addition to Kentucky Speedway.”
The USO has been serving the U.S. military since 1941. Its mission is to keep America’s military service members connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.
The USO of Central and Southern Ohio covers 65 counties in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
The 2020 season at Kentucky Speedway begins in July with the return of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend anchored by the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart on Saturday, July 11. The Gander Outdoors Truck Series 225 starts the weekend on Thursday, July 9 and the Xfinity Series Alsco 300 is Friday, July 10.
Kentucky Speedway
