Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Every third Friday of September is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. While there are other holidays meant to commemorate Military life and the sacrifices that come with it, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is the only one that is solely dedicated to these missing and imprisoned service members.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), “more than 81,600 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts.”

With the numbers as high as they are currently, the U.S. troops who are missing or captured need recognition now more than ever.

You Are Not Forgotten

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was first declared a national holiday in 1979. The families of over 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs petitioned for the recognition. These families originally cited a need for heightened accountability on behalf of the government when it comes to keeping track of troops overseas.

Every year since then, the holiday falls on the third Friday in September. This date is unaffiliated with any conflict, leaving the day completely open for honoring those who ended up MIA or as a POW.

Like any holiday, there are some who feel specific actions have to be taken to memorialize those that this day is meant to honor.

This is simply not true.

Everyone has different feelings that are brought up when it comes to talking about this subject. Those who personally lost someone that fits into these categories are obviously going to be the most impacted. Conversely, individuals who are more distanced from the reality of these categories may feel less impacted.

Regardless of how this day of recognition makes you feel, the only thing you have to do is remember. Remember those who gave everything, and those who did that without anyone ever knowing, lest they be forgotten.