September 18 - National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Happy National POW/MIA Recognition Day! Observed annually in the United States, the third Friday in September honors this day. 
 
Each year since 1989, a presidential proclamation brings the nation together to remember and honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or are prisoners of war.  

 
The day also serves as a call to action, reminding the nation to rededicate our efforts. 

We are responsible for bringing our patriots home and for caring for our military families awaiting word of their loved ones. 

 
The POW/MIA Flag is flown this day over significant national landmarks and government buildings across the country.  

 
Not only do the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials fly the flag, but so do the offices of the secretaries of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, and of the Selective Service System.  

 
Additionally, the POW/MIA Flag flies freely on the grounds or in the lobbies of every major military installation, post office, and all VA Medical Centers and national cemeteries. 

 
HOW TO OBSERVE 
 
Around the nation, events and ceremonies recognize POWs, MIA, and their families. Loved ones and supporters gather for candlelight vigils, walks, and other events to show honor and support of their sacrifice.  

 
Join a service near you and show your support. Visit the website below for more information. 

 
https://www.pow-miafamilies.org 
 
Recognize the men and women who are POW and MIA. Remember them and bring them home. Use #POWMIARecognitionDay to post on social media. 
 
HISTORY 
 
Congress established National POW/MIA Recognition Day with the passage of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act.  

 
This day is one of the six days that Federal Law requires government facilities to fly the POW/MIA Flag. The U.S. Secretary of Defense lists all places designated to fly the POW/MIA Flag.  

 
DATES 
September 17, 2021 
September 16, 2022 
September 15, 2023 
September 20, 2024 
September 19, 2025 
September 18, 2026 
September 17, 2027 
September 15, 2028 
September 21, 2029 
September 20, 2030 
September 19, 2031 
 
#POWMIARecognitionDay 

@powmiafamilies 

@SecDef 
@nichecinema