In 1979, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution that authorized a national day devoted to the American Prisoners of War (POW) and personnel who went Missing in Action (MIA).
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a federal holiday, but is intended to be a national day of observance and recognition for the service members who were held captive, and the ones who never made it home. Since 1986, National POW/MIA Recognition Day has been held on the third Friday of September.
It is no secret that current and former members of the U.S. Military hold their traditions and oaths to be sacred. Anyone who has ever donned amilitary uniform has put themselves at risk of injury and death for the oaths they swore to uphold. One of the promises that service members hold most sacred is the one they make to their brothers and sisters in arms, to never leave their comrades behind.
On this day, we are asked to observe and recognize the sacrifices made by 83,193 Americans who remain unaccounted for, and the thousands who were captured by enemy forces.
In World War II, more than 130,000 Americans (military &, civilian) were taken as prisoners of war, and there are still 73,539 Americans listed as MIA from that war.
More than 7,100 Americans were taken as POWs during the Korean War, and 7,881 are still listed as MIA.
Approximately 800 Americans were captured during the Vietnam War, and 1,641 are still listed as MIA.
There are also 126 Americans who are listed as MIA from military operations during the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
All of these brave souls are remembered and honored for their sacrifices in service to their country, and for the promise that couldn’t be kept to bring them home.
Please take a moment in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
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Military Connection: National POW/MIA Recognition Day: By Joe Silva
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