The official motto of the POW/MIA flag is “You Are Not Forgotten.” While this remains true all year long, each year, we mark the occasion with a designated day of remembrance. National POW MIA Recognition Day is a day of reflection and giving back to the military community. Every September, we take a bit of extra consideration for Veterans who endured life as a prisoner of war along with those who never were found.
When Is National POW MIA Recognition Day?
National POW MIA Recognition Day takes place on the third Friday in September each year. In 2024, the holiday falls on September 20th.
Commemorating National POW MIA Recognition Day is a way to show families that have a loved one captured as a prisoner of war or that has never been found after combat, that they are not alone.
The History of Honoring Heroes of War
President Jimmy Carter started the military day of remembrance in 1979 to honor those who were POWs or MIA during the Vietnam War.
The day was first observed with a remembrance ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Today, the holiday continues to remember those heroes as well as others who endured the same experiences in past and present military conflicts.
More than 130,000 American troops have been POWs since World War II, with tens of thousands of military members still MIA.
Serving in the military can bring troops to hazardous terrains leading to their untimely demise or capture by the enemy.
These hazards are all a part of war and part of why we honor our nation’s heroes for their sacrifice.
Families wanted accountability for finding loved ones who went off to Vietnam yet never returned, which came to be once the National POW/MIA Recognition Day happened.
Commemorating National POW MIA Recognition Day
Many ceremonies are held nationwide to mark National POW MIA Recognition Day and honor those military members.
Although ceremonies were originally at the National Cathedral, you’ll find the national ceremony taking place at The Pentagon these days, with many others held on military bases around the world.
However, remembering these members of the military community isn’t just for government buildings or posts. There are many ways we can all honor POWs and those who went MIA during service:
- Fly the POW/MIA flag to show support.
- Reach out to those in your community affected by war and missing a loved one.
- Give back to military charities by donating money, time, or both.
- Learn more about the histories of POWs and those missing by visiting local military museums, reading a book, or watching a documentary.
National POW MIA Recognition Day is a time of self-reflection, support, and honor. Be sure to mark your calendar to be supportive this September and all year round!
Sources:
U.S. Prisoners of War and Civilian American Citizens Captured…, Naval History and Heritage Command. Accessed September 2024. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/us-prisoners-war-civilian-american-citizens-captured.html
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