National POW/MIA Recognition Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National POW/MIA Recognition Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is celebrated on September 15th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

📅 What day is National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2024?

In 2024, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is on Friday, September 15th. It is the 3rd Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about September 15, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

POW/MIA Recognition Day takes place on the third Friday of September, which falls on September 15th this year. It serves as a reminder to fully support and provide answers to the families of over 80,000 soldiers who were either captured or are still unaccounted for in conflicts led by the United States. As part of the commemoration at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., military jets from a base in Virginia flew in the “missing man formation” to honor these fallen warriors.

📜 National POW/MIA Recognition Day History

POW stands for “prisoner of war” and MIA stands for “missing in action,” which refers to soldiers who have gone missing during military operations. National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established to honor and remember the many service members who were captured or never returned home. This day was first recognized in 1979 after the demands of families of Vietnam War POWs and MIAs. It is also closely associated with those who were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. The purpose of National POW/MIA Recognition Day is to pay tribute to those who were held captive and eventually released, as well as those who are still missing. The commemoration began with a ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and has since been observed at the Pentagon, military posts across the country, and even overseas.

✅ National POW/MIA Recognition Day Facts

🔖 It’s a push for accountability
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was initiated by the families of more than 2,500 Vietnam War POWs and MIAs.

🔖 There’s a POW/MIA Agency
The POW/MIA Accounting Agency is dedicated to finding and identifying over 80,000 American soldiers who participated in various wars but are still missing and unaccounted for.

🔖 The idea behind the day
The central message of POW/MIA Recognition Day is “You Are Not Forgotten.”

👍 Why Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day Important

National POW/MIA Recognition Day recalls loved ones and their experiences defending the freedom we now enjoy across the country. It is a constant reminder of how much we love or miss them.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day allows us to reflect on our country’s past. It is a day set aside to reflect on events that have become woven into the fabric of the United States.

Yes! National POW/MIA Recognition Day makes us appreciate the freedom we now have more because we know that somewhere out there, people are suffering as a result of fighting for it.

🙂 How To Observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day

⚡ Look back in time

⚡ Fly a POW/MIA flag
Flying the flag below the US flag is the most fitting way to honor National POW/MIA Day. Another way to commemorate this day is by taking a look at the annual poster released by the POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

⚡ Visit a POW/MIA-themed museum
Share thought-provoking debates about the history of the United States with coworkers, friends, and family! In your memories, remember the day’s heroes.

📅 When is National POW/MIA Recognition Day?

Discover all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National POW/MIA Recognition Day. So be sure to check back soon.