National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is designed to honor missing soldiers and prisoners of war. It is on the third Friday of September each year.

History

This day allows us to show military families that the state does not forget about those who served their country. Throughout the history of the United States, there have been many wars in which American soldiers participated. Tens of thousands of soldiers were captured, and only a few of them returned home. Many have remained missing.

The first National POW/MIA Recognition Day celebration took place in 1979. The memorial ceremony was held at the US National Cathedral. Since then, it has been held every year. Individual events are also held at US military bases.

Each missing soldier is significant. War is never without loss. Some return with awards, while others come back in a coffin or do not return at all, and the note ‘Missing’ is put in their personal file. The annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day allows us to honor the blessed memory of soldiers who did not return home from the war.

How to take part

1. Hang a US flag over your house or on your car on this day to honor missing soldiers or those who died in captivity.
2. Take a tour of military museums and learn more about past wars in which American soldiers took part.
3. Discuss major military battles with friends and family. We carry the memory of the fallen soldiers within us. If we forget them, no one will remember.
4. Share a post on social networks to honor the memory of prisoners of war and missing soldiers.

When is National POW/MIA Recognition Day in 2024?

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September each year.

Observations