National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, which this year is Sept. 20. On this day, we remember and honor the more than 80,000 veterans who were prisoners of war and veterans who are still missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars, as well as other conflicts.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was first established in 1979 by a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Each year the current president signs a new proclamation honoring this day.
On this day, you may hear and see the words “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.” These words should resonate not only on this day but throughout the year, reminding us to always honor our brave veterans and their families. “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” is written on the POW/MIA flag, which features the silhouette of a prisoner of war against the backdrop of a guard tower and barbed wire, set within a black and white field. The inscription “POW/MIA” appears above, with “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” below. The black and white design of the flag symbolizes sorrow, anxiety, and hope. Many Americans display this flag during September, while others display it year-round as a tribute to these veterans and their families.
Since 1982, the POW/MIA flag has flown below the American flag at the White House on every POW/MIA Recognition Day. In 1998, Congress mandated its display on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. When you see this flag, please pause, and take a moment to honor those still missing and their families.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, undertakes the difficult task of accounting for our missing military personnel from past wars. They never stop working to secure information on missing servicemen and women so that their families will have closure. The agency will remain dedicated to this mission until every individual is accounted for.
To honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day, consider checking with your local community, and attending recognition ceremonies or participating in veteran rallies and events. Another meaningful way to show your support is by visiting memorials dedicated to those who were Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action. Below are two such memorials.
There is a commemorative chair located in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. with an engraved inscription that reads:
“Let this empty chair serve as a memorial to those who served in the military of our great nation but have not returned home to us.
They are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
America will forever be grateful for your bravery and sacrifice in service to our nation. We will never forget.“
Another monument that was created for the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, specifically for the Vietnam War, is the Flame of Hope monument located in Virginia Beach, Va. Its flame burns continuously and will remain burning until all POW/MIAs return home.
Remember, as we observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, there are many ways to show your support. Let us commit to never forgetting the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and honoring their legacy by upholding the freedoms for which they fought.
