Established through proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is commemorated across the nation on third Friday in September. The day is a poignant reminder of those whose sacrifice helped pave the way to freedom and protection of the American way of life. The plight of the more than 140,000 former America prisoners of war is a burden that stays with each of them, and we would be remiss if we do not acknowledge and honor those who endured such hardships on our behalf.

It is also the duty of every American to remember that more than 81,000 service members are still listed as missing in action. Their families still hold out hope that one day they will receive the call that their loved one has been found. We owe them our support and vigilance until that day comes.

The VFW works with the National League of POW/MIA Families to account for our missing loved ones.  The League, incorporated on May 28, 1970, was formed to obtain the release of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing and repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Without the League, America's POW/MIAs would long ago have been forgotten. The League is proud that our efforts led to today's world wide mission. The League's flag is universally and legally recognized as the symbol of America's commitment to account for our POW/MIAs.

 

The VFW will not rest until we achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing American military service members from all wars. The VFW encourages the U.S. government to continue its missing personnel accounting efforts and is directly engaged with former enemy nations urging their fullest cooperation and assistance in obtaining information about American POWs/MIAs. VFW national officers make periodic trips to Pacific, Asian, and European countries where they meet with senior host country officials to stress the importance of conducting investigation and recovery operations, as well as gaining access to documents and archival research facilities.