The Tampa Bay Rays, along with Congressman David Jolly, will be honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action with a POW/MIA National Chair of Honor.
“It will be set up right beyond right field in our outfield. It will be elevated above the rest of the seats where it can hopefully draw a lot of attention,” said Rays President Brian Auld, who was first approached about the seat dedication by Congressman Jolly several months ago.
Jolly said he got the idea from an elderly veteran whom he stopped to chat with at a luncheon.
“That stuck with me," Jolly said. "So when I had an opportunity several months later to see the Rays, the Rays president said let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. And I said actually, there is something. But it’s not for me, it’s for this veteran.”
The Rays didn’t hesitate.
Auld said it’s the least the organization could do to honor the nearly 92,000 Americans who have gone missing or became prisoners of war while serving their country.
Unfortunately, Congressman Jolly said he never got the name of the veteran who made the suggestion.
“He brought it to us, it was his idea,” Jolly said. “We were just able to implement it on his behalf. I’d love to be able to find out who that veteran is.”
Jolly said he would like to invite the man to the ceremony, which is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Contact his office if you have any information.