The more than 90,000 American service members who have been prisoners of war or missing in action will be remembered at the Washington Redskins stadium.
Redskins Salute, the team's military appreciation club, and Rolling Thunder unveiled a POW/MIA seat in section 342 during Monday's home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The seat will remain unoccupied in honor of the memory of the men and women who sacrificed for their country.
Walt Sides, co-founder of Rolling Thunder, said the advocacy group's role is remembrance and recognition of the POW/MIA issue.
"We swore to ride till they all came home," Sides said of Rolling Thunder, whose mission is to account for those service members still missing. "They're not home, and that's the reason we're still here."
People still ask what POW/MIA means, said Sides, who served 21 years in the Marine Corps.
"The more we get it out there, the more people will understand what we're all about," he said. "You should have some knowledge of what happens to the men and women that serve this country."
Coast Guard veteran Rhonda Killmon said she got chills when she found out about the POW/MIA seat that was being dedicated at the game she attended.
"To know that we still have people unaccounted for is kind of sad," said Killmon, who served in the Coast guard for 30 years. "Hopefully one day they'll get to come home."
Susan Lewis, whose spouse served in the Navy for 25 years, said it shows how much the Washington Redskins care about the military community.
"I think it's awesome to honor and pay tribute to those that can't be here," she said. "I get a little emotional."
Service members and their families sacrifice a lot, she said, and "it's nice to have that feel-good response from the public."
Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Rob Wilkins said the idea for the POW/MIA seat came about in November when Rolling Thunder spoke with Redskins representatives.
"By remembering those who sacrificed so much for our country, we remember that they're not forgotten," he said. "That if you're a child, someone is looking for your mom or dad."
Charlsy Panzino covers veterans education, employment and transition issues, as well as travel, entertainment and fitness. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
