SENATOR LANZA PASSES BILL RENAMING THE STATEN ISLAND EXPRESSWAY TO THE POW-MIA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

SENATOR LANZA PASSES BILL RENAMING THE STATEN ISLAND EXPRESSWAY TO THE POW-MIA MEMORIAL HIGHWAY HONORING PRISONERS OF WAR AND SERVICE MEMBERS MISSING IN ACTION 

Pays Tribute to All New Yorkers Who Were Prisoners of War and Those Who Remain Unaccounted For 

ALBANY, NY – Today, the New York State Senate overwhelmingly passed Senator Andrew Lanza’s legislation (S.4187) officially designating the Staten Island Expressway to be named the POW-MIA Memorial Highway.  This bill was introduced to honor America’s prisoners of war and missing in action military service members. 

The sacrifices made by our POW’s and MIA’s must never be forgotten.  They have paid an unimaginable price fighting for us and for the proposition that America must remain free.  Renaming this expressway in their honor will serve as a constant reminder to millions of travelers of their honor, sacrifice and service.  I thank Senator Scarcella-Spanton for joining me on this legislation together with the Senate body for passing it”, said Deputy Minority Leader Andrew Lanza. 

In 1997, the Staten Island Expressway was ceremoniously named the MIA-POW Memorial Highway in honor of those who served our country, many of whom never came home. This bill makes this name official to pay tribute to those men and women who, in service to their country during times of conflict, were Prisoners of War or listed as Missing in Action. 

As of this year, currently more than 81,500 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Gulf Wars and other conflicts. This highway dedication serves as just one way to remember the brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have been held captive or have never returned home from war. 

Every day there are acting military personal that continue to keep our nation safe. From veterans then, to those who presently serve, and for future service members, their service and sacrifice to protect and serve the United States of America will always be remembered. 

After passing the Senate, the bill was delivered to the Assembly.