National POW/MIA Recognition Day — which this year falls on Friday, Sept. 16 — was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter.
The proclamation reads, in part: “In each of America’s wars, our prisoners of war have been called upon to make uncommon sacrifices. Upon them has fallen the arduous responsibility of defending American ideals under the absolute control of the enemy.
“Extremely difficult at best, this responsibility becomes magnified almost beyond comprehension when men and women are treated inhumanely — in violation of ordinary human compassion, fundamental moral standards, and basic international obligations.
“All Americans should recognize the special debt we owe our fellow citizens who, as prisoners during wartime, sacrificed their freedom [so] that we might enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty.
“Likewise, we must remember the unresolved casualties of war — our soldiers who are still missing. The pain and bitterness of war endures for the families, relatives and friends.”
History
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
A national-level ceremony is held on every National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Traditionally held at the Pentagon, it features members from each branch of military service and participation from high-ranking officials.
In addition to the national-level ceremony, observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans’ facilities.
No matter where they are held, these National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies share the common purpose of honoring those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing.
Since 1999, the POW/MIA Accounting community has created a poster commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The 2022 edition of the poster continues to honor this tradition.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The Defense Department remembers and honors those Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. DOD’s POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues the search for the missing, fulfilling the nation’s promise to leave no service member behind.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/National-Pow-Mia-Recognition-Day/
The National POW/MIA Recognition Day poster can be ordered below …
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise
https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaFamWebPosters