POW-MIA Memorial

This memorial was dedicated as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 11, 1982. On that day, Governor John Spellman placed a scroll with the names of our state's Vietnam casualties inside the monument. Many Vietnam Veterans were unhappy because the names of their fallen comrades were hidden from view inside the memorial. Soon after, work began to create the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which is south of the original monument and was dedicated on May 25, 1987.

Many groups in the area who support POW (Prisoners of War) and MIA (Missing in Action) causes wanted to change the old Vietnam Veterans Memorial into a monument for prisoners of war and those missing in action. Because of their efforts, the State Legislature approved the project the following year.

Inscriptions

The original marble monument was refitted with a new granite top inscribed with words of gratitude for POWs and MIAs:

In gratitude to those who sacrificed their freedom in the service of our country we, the citizens of the State of Washington, dedicate this monument to honor all former American prisoners of war, those still missing, and those Americans who may still be held prisoner.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day
September 16, 1988