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National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Paula Green
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
By Paula Green
Every year, our nation pauses to honor the courage of prisoners of war, remember those still missing in action, and stand beside the families who wait for their return. As a country, we send the message: “You are not alone.” The Department of Defense (DOD) supports the solemn promise and ensures that the sacrifices of these Americans are never overlooked.
Established in 1979, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday in September. This year, it falls on September 19. On this day, ceremonies and events will take place across the nation to honor POWs and MIAs.
Many American service members remain unaccounted for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) says more than 83,000 are missing from World War II to today. Over 73,000 are from World War II. More than 7,000 are from the Korean conflict. Vietnam has over 1,600 listed as missing. The Cold War has 126 missing. Since 1991, six people have been missing.
The first POW/MIA Day included a ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Now, the Pentagon hosts the Department of Defense’s official observance. Members from each military branch take part. Observances are also held on military installations, ships, state capitols, schools, and veterans’ facilities. The National Park Service holds commemorations at select sites. Private organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, host events at posts nationwide.
Surprisingly, the familiar POW/MIA flag, now tied to the observance, predates the recognition day. In 1970, Mrs. Michael Hoff, the wife of an MIA service member, helped create a POW/MIA symbol. World War II pilot Newt Heisley designed the iconic flag. Official protocol states that when displayed with the U.S. flag, the POW/MIA flag should fly directly below it on the same pole or to the left if separate poles are used. At prominent locations like the White House, it is the only other flag allowed to fly, as directed by the Department of Defense.
The National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag must fly at major military installations, national cemeteries, post offices, VA medical facilities, and war memorials. It must also fly at the offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, Veterans Affairs, and the Director of the Selective Service System. By law, the flag must be displayed on six official days: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and National POW/MIA Recognition Day. On these days, the flag should follow the above protocol at all required sites.
Northern Connection magazine honors all POWs and MIAs for their courage and sacrifice. As we observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, let us remember and honor them today and always.