Home / September

National POW/MIA Recognition Day falls on Friday, September 17, 2027. That is 325 days away.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors Americans who were held as prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action. It falls on the third Friday in September. The day also recognizes the families who still wait for word of a loved one.

The most familiar sign of the day is the black and white POW/MIA flag. It shows the silhouette of a man's head beside a watchtower and barbed wire, with the words "You Are Not Forgotten" beneath. On this day it often flies at government buildings, military bases and veterans' halls, usually beneath the American flag.

Many communities hold brief ceremonies. Veterans' groups may read names, observe a moment of silence or set a small table for one, left empty to stand for those who did not come home. The table is set with care. A single rose, an inverted glass and a lit candle each carry a meaning that is often explained aloud to those present.

The work of accounting for the missing continues year round. Military teams search old battlefields and crash sites, and families sometimes provide DNA samples to help identify remains that are recovered.

For families, a returned name or a set of remains can bring an ending that took a very long time to arrive.

Ways to honor this day

• Display the POW/MIA flag beneath the American flag at home.
• Attend a local ceremony held by a veterans' organization.
• Observe a moment of silence for those still missing.
• Write a note of thanks to a former prisoner of war or their family.
• Learn the story of a service member from your state listed as missing.

Dates

All national days on September 17

Categories: Commemorative days