Remembering America’s POW/MIA Heroes

You Are Not Forgotten!
Remembering and Honoring America’s POW/MIA Heroes

American prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs) are topics that continue to be of great importance and significance. The United States has a long history of military involvement in conflicts around the world, and as a result, many service members have been captured as POWs or whose fates remain unknown.

Civilians’ realization of what being a POW and MIA meant gained widespread attention during and after the Vietnam War when a significant number of American service members were taken as prisoners of war or went missing in action. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of these individuals has been a source of tremendous pain and anguish for their families and loved ones.

Not confined to the Vietnam War, there are still service members from past conflicts whose fates are unknown, and there are ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate their remains.

Recognizing the importance of remembering and honoring POWs and MIAs, the United States observes National POW/MIA Recognition Day every year on the third Friday of September. This day serves as an opportunity to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by those who have been captured or gone missing while serving their country.

Efforts to bring closure to the families of POWs and MIAs continue to be a priority for the United States government and the military. As new technologies and methods for identifying and recovering remains are developed, there is hope that more missing service members will be located and brought home.

POW/MIA You Are Not Forgotten flag remains a solemn symbol and reminder of the human cost of war and the ongoing commitment to ensuring that those who have served their country are never forgotten.