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Wrigley Has An Empty Seat? Aldermen Support Honor For POW-MIAs

By Ted Cox | September 9, 2016 2:38pm
 The City Council adopted an empty chair to honor POW-MIAs in July.
The City Council adopted an empty chair to honor POW-MIAs in July.
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DNAinfo/Ted Cox

CITY HALL — Sold-out Wrigley Field might soon have an empty seat if the Cubs comply with a new City Council resolution meant to honor U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The Finance Committee approved a resolution Friday "urging" the Cubs to designate a "POW-MIA empty chair" at Wrigley Field, while likewise asking the Bulls and Blackhawks to do the same at the United Center.

The Bears' home stadium, Soldier Field, named to honor World War I veterans, adopted a so-called Chair of Honor earlier this year. Aldermen approved such a chair in the Council Chamber in July.

The Chair of Honor bears a plaque reading: "You will not be forgotten."

Former Ald. James Balcer (12th), a U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran, returned to the Council Chamber Friday to argue for "a little symbolic gesture" intended "to have an empty chair to remember POWs and MIAs."

Ald. Edward Burke (14th), chairman of the Finance Committee, cited figures showing that 84,000 U.S. military personnel are still considered either POWs or MIAs dating back to World War I.

The resolution passed by a voice vote and heads to the full City Council for final passage next week.

The Cubs, Bulls and Blackhawks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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