National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Never Forgotten—How We Honor Our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Never Forgotten—How We Honor Our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action

Each year, on the third Friday of September, the United States observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a solemn day of remembrance and reflection—a day when we honor the sacrifices of our military personnel who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those who went missing in action (MIA), never to return home. It is a day to acknowledge the unimaginable hardships they endured and the families who were left with the agonizing uncertainty of whether their loved ones would ever come back. This day is not just a commemoration, but a reaffirmation of the American spirit—an unyielding resolve to never forget those who gave everything for our country.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women who fought on foreign soil, often enduring unimaginable suffering, while others, still listed as missing, have left their families waiting for answers. Today, we come together as a nation to ensure that their service, their courage, and their legacy are never forgotten. Through ceremonies, public displays of the POW/MIA flag, and personal acts of remembrance, we renew our commitment to those who served and remind ourselves of the debt we owe them.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the history behind it, and why it is so important to honor those who were prisoners of war and those who remain unaccounted for. We will also discuss how we, as citizens, can ensure that the memories of these courageous individuals remain alive, and how we can contribute to the ongoing effort to bring them home and never forget their sacrifice.

The Legacy of POWs and MIAs: The Ultimate Sacrifice

To understand why POW/MIA Recognition Day holds such deep significance, we must first reflect on the meaning of these two acronyms—POW (Prisoner of War) and MIA (Missing in Action). These terms are more than just military labels; they represent lives interrupted, families torn apart, and the untold stories of survival, resilience, and sacrifice.

A Prisoner of War is someone who has been captured by the enemy during a conflict. These individuals endure physical and psychological suffering that most civilians can never comprehend. POWs are often subjected to brutal conditions, forced labor, deprivation of food and water, physical torture, and psychological torment. Some are held in captivity for months, others for years, and some never return. Despite the unimaginable suffering, these brave individuals are among the strongest symbols of endurance and resilience in the face of adversity. Their stories of survival are not only a testament to their own courage, but to the strength of the American spirit.

Those who are Missing in Action represent a special group of service members whose fates remain uncertain. While they may not have been captured by the enemy, they are unaccounted for after combat or during military operations. In many cases, their families are left with no clear answers, no closure, and no finality. Some of these soldiers are lost forever, their bodies never recovered or their whereabouts unknown. Yet, as a nation, we never cease in our determination to locate these missing service members, to return them home, and to give their families the answers they deserve.

Together, POWs and MIAs represent the sacrifices that have been made in the defense of our freedom. These service members, whether they came home or remain missing, have paid an immense price for the security and liberty that we enjoy every day. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to them and to recognize their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and justice.

The History of POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day has its origins in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. During the war, many American soldiers were taken prisoner or went missing in action. The war ended in 1975, but the fate of many service members remained unclear. This uncertainty created a sense of urgency and a national desire to bring closure to the families of those who had served in Vietnam and in other conflicts. The establishment of a designated day to recognize POWs and MIAs was one of the ways to keep their stories alive and to emphasize the nation’s commitment to bringing them home.

In 1979, the United States Congress passed a resolution that officially designated the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This day was created to raise awareness of the plight of POWs and MIAs and to show the families of these individuals that their loved ones would not be forgotten. The observance has grown over the years to include events, ceremonies, and national efforts to continue searching for and recovering missing soldiers.

One of the most visible symbols of POW/MIA Recognition Day is the POW/MIA flag. The black-and-white flag, with its iconic silhouette of a solitary figure behind bars, serves as a powerful reminder of those who have been captured or gone missing. The flag flies in government buildings, military installations, and public spaces, proudly displaying the message, “You Are Not Forgotten.” It has become a symbol of national unity, of the promise that we will always remember those who gave everything for our country.

Honoring the Fallen: How We Remember and Pay Tribute

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Americans from all walks of life come together to honor the sacrifices of those who have been imprisoned, tortured, and lost in the line of duty. The day is marked by events that include memorial services, flag-raising ceremonies, moments of silence, and readings of the names of those who are still missing in action. These ceremonies provide a collective space for reflection and reverence for the lives that were altered forever by war.

At military cemeteries, veterans' organizations, and national memorials, special tributes are paid to POWs and MIAs. Some ceremonies are deeply personal, with families of missing soldiers lighting candles or placing flowers at memorials. At the same time, communities across the nation host events to bring awareness to the ongoing efforts to account for missing service members and to support the families who are still waiting for answers. These events often feature veterans and former POWs who share their stories of resilience, hope, and survival, reminding us of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who served.

The POW/MIA Flag: A Symbol of Hope and Commitment

One of the most important symbols associated with National POW/MIA Recognition Day is the POW/MIA flag. The flag was designed in 1972 by a group of Vietnam veterans and families of POWs to ensure that the memory of those who were captured or went missing during the war would never fade. The flag’s design is simple yet powerful: a black background, a white silhouette of a soldier’s face behind bars, and the words "POW/MIA" prominently displayed.

The flag serves as a visual representation of the promise that we, as a nation, will never stop searching for our missing service members, and that we will always honor the prisoners of war who endured untold suffering. It is flown at military bases, on government buildings, and during National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies as a symbol of national solidarity.

How We Can Honor and Support POWs and MIAs Today

The observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not limited to one day in September. It is a year-round commitment to remembering those who served and making sure that the sacrifices of our POWs and MIAs are never forgotten. Here are a few ways in which we can all honor the legacy of these brave men and women:

1. Learn Their Stories: One of the most important things we can do to honor POWs and MIAs is to learn about their experiences. Many of these service members have shared their stories of survival and resilience, and it is important that we listen and understand the hardships they endured. By learning their stories, we can help ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

2. Support Veteran Organizations: There are numerous organizations dedicated to supporting POWs, MIAs, and their families. Volunteering or donating to these organizations helps provide much-needed resources for veterans, including medical care, counseling, and assistance with locating missing service members.

3. Participate in Ceremonies and Events: Attend local memorial services and POW/MIA Recognition Day events. Your presence at these ceremonies not only honors those who were prisoners of war or went missing, but also sends a message of solidarity to the families who are still waiting for answers.

4. Raise Awareness: Display the POW/MIA flag and share the stories of POWs and MIAs with your community. Social media is a powerful tool to raise awareness, and by sharing these stories, you help keep the memory of these brave individuals alive.

5. Never Forget: Above all, the most important thing we can do is never forget. The families of POWs and MIAs continue to wait for answers, and the nation must continue to honor their sacrifices. By remembering their bravery and sacrifices, we ensure that future generations understand the true cost of freedom.

Conclusion: A Nation’s Promise

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day for all Americans to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our soldiers, those who endured the unimaginable hardships of being prisoners of war and those who went missing and were never returned. It is a day to remind ourselves that the price of freedom is steep and that the debt we owe to these brave men and women can never truly be repaid.

We honor them not just through ceremonies and speeches, but through a commitment to ensure that their memory endures and that their sacrifices are never forgotten. For those who were captured and those who remain unaccounted for, we say—"You Are Not Forgotten." And as long as we remember them, as long as we speak their names and share their stories, their legacy will live on, inspiring generations to come.