POW-MIA Memorial Highway to be Extended

ONEONTA, 08/22/17 – The “POW-MIA Memorial Highway” will be extended through Madison, Chenango, and Broome counties under legislation signed into law this week.  The bill (S.6020B/A.7534B) sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Guilford) pays tribute to the thousands of American service members who served in the Vietnam War. 

Senator Seward said, “Every man and woman who dons a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life.  Those service members who were held captive during the Vietnam War, or who have never been found, experienced unspeakable pain and suffering.  We owe it to these brave men and women and their families to keep their memory alive.”

Assemblyman Crouch said, “During the Vietnam War, the U.S. lost thousands of brave American men and women, while many others were taken prisoner, never to come home again.  These brave individuals gave the ultimate sacrifice, their freedom and ultimately their lives, to protect our country and freedoms. By extending this highway we memorialize their bravery and courage and ensure that future generations will remember the sacrifices that were made so we could enjoy peace here at home. We must never forget these brave individuals, and through this memorial they will live on.”

Currently, the “POW-MIA Memorial Highway” runs along State Route 12 beginning at the town of Morristown in St. Lawrence County and continuing south through the counties of Jefferson, Lewis, and Oneida. 

The legislation sponsored by Senator Seward and Assemblyman Crouch extends the memorial highway through Madison, Chenango, and Broome counties to the intersection of State Route 12 and State Route 12A in the Town of Chenango.

“Memorial highways, parks, and other landmarks serve as fitting tributes to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms.  Each time we see a veteran’s name on a sign, we should think of that individual’s valor and say thank you.  By extending the “POW-MIA Memorial Highway” motorists will be reminded of those who never returned home, but are never forgotten,” Seward added.

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