Remember all POW-MIAs this Friday

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, held each year on the third Friday of September, is Sept. 15. Of the 81,409 servicemembers who still remain unaccounted for, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) estimates that about 38,000 are recoverable, with about 200 identifications made a year. 

The American Legion remains committed to achieving a full accounting of all U.S. servicemembers from all war eras who are either imprisoned or listed as missing in action. As part of this commitment, it encourages a return of living POWs, repatriation of the remains of the fallen from war zones abroad, or a determination through convincing evidence that neither is possible, as per Resolution 22 from the 99th National Convention.

As part National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the military men and women who are imprisoned or unaccounted for as a result of their military service. Individuals and businesses should also fly their POW/MIA flags. 

A few POW/MIA stories of interest to you:

- Fern Sumpter Winbush, principal deputy director for the DPAA, spoke to the National Security Commission during the Legion’s 104th national convenion in Charlotte, N.C., last month about progess the DPAA is making with accounting for those who remain unaccounted for. Read the story here.

- American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast welcomes POW/MIA League of Families CEO Ann Mills-Griffiths

- How POW/MIAs became a national priority

American Legion Family members are encouraged to share how they observe POW/MIA Recognition Day by posting stories on the popular Legiontown website, www.legiontown.org.