National POW/MIA Recognition Day
September 15, 2017 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. On this date of observance, we remember all American prisoners of war and service members missing in action. Our country owes its life to the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces members, especially those who have never returned home.
This video from the U.S. Department of Defense details the meaning behind National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency “more than 83,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars/other conflicts.” Out of those missing, 75% of the losses are believed to be located in the Asia-Pacific regions. 41, 000 of those missing heroes are “presumed lost at sea.”
The U.S. Department of Defense also estimates that over 138,000 service members have been imprisoned since the Second World War.
This video from the U.S. Army details the efforts that are being made to bring our unaccounted service members home.
It’s heartbreaking that the families of our missing heroes may never have closure on the fate of their loved ones. We have a sacred duty to honor those who have been held prisoner or who have gone missing in action while serving their country. Faith with these heroes must never be broken. They will never be forgotten.
