SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego Air & Space Museum teamed up with the Spirit of Liberty Foundation to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action on Friday. The event, known as Salute POW/MIA Recognition Day, took place at 9 a.m. in front of the museum in Balboa Park. Super Girl Surf Pro returns to Oceanside this weekend: what to know Prior to the event, Jim Kidrick, the president and CEO of the museum, said, “We can never forget the brave heroes who so valiantly served our country, including the more than 81,000 Americans still missing from past conflicts." During Friday's Salute, the iconic America’s Freedom Bell by Veterans was rang 81 times to honor the thousands who are still missing in action. It also included remarks from Kidrick and Richard Rovsek, the chairman of the Spirit of Liberty Foundation. “These heroes answered the call of duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom everywhere, but their stories remain unfinished. Their sacrifice, and the pain endured by their families, cannot be, nor should it ever be, forgotten," Kidrick stated.