POW/MIA Recognition Day

Recognized the third Friday in September.
The American Legion is involved in many efforts to honor and recognize prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs), including:
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The American Legion was instrumental in establishing this day, which is observed on the third Friday of September each year. It’s a day to honor the sacrifices of POWs and MIAs, as well as their families. The Defense Department remembers and honors those Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home. DOD’s POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues the search for the missing, fulfilling the nation’s promise to leave no service member behind.
• Advocacy
The American Legion works with Congress and the Department of Defense to improve policies and programs for missing service members. They also urge Congress and the president to fully fund the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Office.
• Remembrance services
The American Legion holds POW/MIA remembrance services at public events and unit meetings.