When did the National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America start?
About National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America Holiday
The United States of America commemorates National POW/MIA Recognition Day each year. This solemn day of remembrance is set aside to honor those captured and those missing in action (POW/MIA) during war times. This special day allows the nation to set aside politics and to come together in a collective act of mourning for those who served and sacrificed for our country.
Since this commemoration began in 1991, National POW/MIA Recognition Day has grown to be widely observed around the United States. On this day, ceremonies, gatherings, and special remembrances take place in communities around the country in honor of our brave POW/MIA men and women. The day represents our commitment to never forgetting the men and women who sacrificed so much for the United States of America.
The National POW/MIA Recognition Day serves to honor the courage and patriotism of the men and women who served in the military and to pay tribute to their sacrifices. It is a time for us to reflect on the rich history of the United States of America and to remember those who have been missing in action or those who were prisoners of war. We stand together in a proud and united nation to honor the courage and resolve of our brave military personnel.
History and Origin of National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance in the United States of America that honors the men and women who have been Prisoners of War (POWs) or Missing in Action (MIAs) during combat or war. Though there are several unofficial observances honoring POWs and MIAs in the US, the official observance is observed every third Friday of September each year.
The origins of the National POW/MIA Recognition Day can be traced as far back as 1979. The holiday was established to honor and remember POWs and MIAs from the Vietnam War who were either still unaccounted for or declared dead by the government. In 1982, Congress issued a proclamation naming the third Friday of September as a day of national observance. President Reagan subsequently signed the proclamation into law, making it a national holiday in the United States.
In 1989, the holiday was revised to honor all POWs and MIAs from any war or conflict in the world. Each year since then, the United States has set aside the third Friday of September to honor those who served, as well as their families. The official filing from Congress states that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is “a day to remember our prisoners of war and those missing in action and their families.”
Significance and Meaning Behind the National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The National POW/MIA Recognition Day has always been a meaningful observance. It is meant to serve as a reminder of the losses that America has endured at war, and to pay respects to the brave men and women who served their country. It also serves to educate the public about issues still faced by military members and their families.
The observance is also a way for Americans to express their appreciation for the sacrifices that those in the military have made for the nation. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Americans come together to recognize and honor the great acts of bravery and heroism displayed by members of the United States military.
Traditions and Celebrations During National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed in a number of ways across the United States. During the observance, members of the armed services, veterans’ organizations, and their families hold remembrance ceremonies and parades. These events honor the courage of the fallen and missing service members, as well as those who continue to serve the nation.
These ceremonies and events typically include speeches, musical performances, and prayer services. In many locations, churches or public venues host flag-flying ceremonies in order to honor the fallen and missing servicemen and women. Along with these ceremonies, special events such as motorcycle rides and runs and candlelight vigils are often held to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Geographical Spread of National POW/MIA Recognition Day Celebrations
Due to its national importance, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed in all of the states and territories of United States of America. Each state celebrates the day differently, but all events are united by the same goal of honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
In some states, government buildings fly the POW/MIA flag throughout the day, while some communities hold official parades in downtown areas. Smaller municipalities may have a special program to honor POWs/MIAs or put up displays in public places to remind people of their sacrifices. In 2019, the mayor of Los Angeles held an observance ceremony in the courtyard of the Los Angeles City Hall.
In some areas, families of POWs/MIAs gather for remembrance ceremonies that are often held in churches, military bases, or cemeteries where fallen soldiers are buried. During the ceremony, a wreath is laid on a POW/MIA monument or memorial. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, residents of different communities also hold special events such as motorcycle rides, 5K runs, or volunteer activities, all in honor of the POWs/MIAs.
Modern Day Observations of National POW/MIA Recognition Day
In the modern times, the National POW/MIA Recognition Day is widely observed in the United States, and many organizations use the holiday to honor POWs and MIAs from wartime. Each year, the US Department of Defense hosts remembrance ceremonies in each branch of service. These events include speeches by senior members of the military, the reading of POW/MIA names, and placing a wreath at a memorial monument.
In addition to official observances, many people in the US hold private celebrations to commemorate the holiday. Private organizations such as veterans’ groups, fraternal organizations, and sports teams often hold commemorative events, including poppies, tributes, and POW/MIA symbol displays. With the advent of social media, National POW/MIA Recognition Day has also spread online, with many people sharing photos, stories, and tributes to honor the fallen and missing servicemen and women.
Interesting Facts or Trivia on National POW/MIA Recognition Day
1. The holiday was created in part due to the efforts of two veterans. The holiday was driven in large part by two veterans: Rollie Pratt, a Vietnam War veteran, and Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts. These two men worked to draw national attention to the government’s lack of information about missing servicemen and women, and helped to pass a resolution in 1982 that authorized National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
2. The holiday includes a traditional jingle. Over the years, the holiday has become associated with a jingle written by former Vietnam POW Robert Parris Moses. The jingle is known as the “National POW/MIA Recognition Day Rap” and is traditionally played during ceremonies and events.
3. The misson continues. In 2020, there are still MIA servicemen and women from wars across the world. Currently, there are 74,000 servicemen and women unaccounted for from the US, spanning from World War II to the Iraq War. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is thus still an important reminder of these missing service members and the military’s mission to locate and return these heroes back to their families.
4. A memorial is dedicated to POWs and MIAs. In 2010, vertical stone slabs were erected at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor the estimated 82,000 US servicemen and women who are still missing or unaccounted for from wars since World War II. This memorial serves as a fitting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
5. It is celebrated alongside other remembrance days. In addition to Nation POW/MIA Recognition Day, the US also holds other days of remembrance to honor service members. Examples include Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29), and National Gold Star Family Remembrance Day (September 2).
Holiday Wishes for National POW/MIA Recognition Day
1. Wishing everyone a meaningful National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
2. Let us remember and honor the heroism and courage of all our servicemen and women, past and present.
3. Today we bow to all our countrymen who have given their lives in defense of our nation.
4. Honoring every brave service member who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in peace.
5. Sending out a special remembrance to those who are still missing in action or remain unaccounted for.
Holiday Messages for National POW/MIA Recognition Day
1. Let us take this day to express our immense gratitude to all of our POWs and MIAs who defended our country and its people.
2. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, let us pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service of our nation.
3. We thank all of our service members, no matter how long ago they served, for their unmeasurable sacrifices.
4. May we never forget the bravery and courage of our fallen servicemen and women.
5. Today, we honor all the heroes who have been POWs or are MIA- their bravery will never, ever be forgotten.
Holiday Quotes for National POW/MIA Recognition Day
1. “Freedom is never free.” –Anonymous
2. “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” –Joseph Campbell
3. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” –Aesop
4. “True heroism is marked by humility, not hubris.” –Anonymous
5. “We take for granted the heroes of our past, those who stood in harm’s way, whose courage knew no bounds.” –John McCain
Other Popular Holiday Info on National POW/MIA Recognition Day
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, people across the United States come together to remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. Organizations such as the National League of POW/MIA Families have worked tirelessly to keep the memory of our fallen and missing servicemen and women alive. This organization works directly with the US Department of Defense to ensure all POWs and MIAs are recognized and remembered.
In recent years, the holiday has been used to raise awareness and provide support for returning POWs and MIAs. The holiday is also used to create a platform for the families of POWs/MIAs, who often struggle with the pain of their loved one’s disappearance. Events such as memorial services and special ceremonies are held in order to recognize and support these families.
Although, the National POW/MIA Recognition Day has traditionally been observed in the United States, it has slowly started to gain recognition in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia. In Canada, the third Friday of September is known as National POW/MIA Day, and in the United Kingdom, it is known as POW/MIA Day. Around the world, this day is used to honor those who have been POWs and MIAs, and bring attention to the plight of their families.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America Also Called
National Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day.Countries where "National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1979, National POW/MIA Recognition Day in United States of America is celebrated on September 19 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!