The third Friday in September is POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day of remembrance for the more than 80,000 servicemembers since World War II who remain unaccounted for.
There are 80,754 POW/MIAs who remain unaccounted for since World War II with an estimated 38,000 that can be recovered, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by these military men and women who remain unaccounted for on Sept. 18, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is held on the third Friday of September.
The following is the number of servicemembers by war era unaccounted for:
- World War II: 71,688
- Korean War: 7,356
- Vietnam War: 1,565
- Cold War: 126
- Iraq War and other conflicts: 6
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.
American Legion Family members raise awareness about the more than 80,000 servicemembers unaccounted for by flying the POW/MIA flag and having a POW/MIA table and chair at meetings and events. For example, Cathay American Legion Post 186 in Seattle, Wash., held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at T-Mobile Park’s POW/MIA Chair of Honor on Sept. 3 with the Seattle Mariners, veterans, military personnel, Gold Star families, friends and community members.
The historic Kingdome POW/MIA flag was unfurled beside the POW/MIA Chair of Honor. “This was the actual POW/MIA flag that once hung from the ceiling of the Kingdome for many years,” said Kent Wong, adjutant of Post 186. “Seeing that flag return to the site where the Kingdome once stood was truly a full-circle moment — a powerful reminder that while buildings may disappear, the promise to remember our missing and fallen never does. We will always honor those who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who remain missing and unaccounted for.”
American Legion Family members are encouraged to share how they observe POW/MIA Recognition Day by posting photos and a story on the Legiontown website, www.legiontown.org.
DPAA Director Kelly McKeague provided an update on the agency’s mission and thanked The American Legion for its commitment to this sacred mission of a full accounting during his remarks at the 107th American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky.
“Thank you to The American Legion for not forgetting, and keeping the promise made to our unreturned veterans, your comrades in arms,” he said. “Searching for, recovering and identifying Americans missing from past wars is a sacred obligation because it involves your fellow veterans who answered the call to duty and in doing so paid the supreme sacrifice.”
- Honor & Remembrance