National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: American Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: 3rd Friday of September
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September each year to honor and remember all U.S. military personnel who were prisoners of war or are still missing in action. It’s a solemn occasion to recommit to full accountability for the families of the more than 80,000 veterans captured or still missing from wars the United States has participated in. Join ceremonies, fly the POW/MIA flag, and support organizations dedicated to their return.

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Expected National POW/MIA Recognition Day Deals

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to profound appreciation and support for military families and veterans’ organizations. Many corporations and local businesses offer year-round military discounts that are often highlighted on this day, such as those from Lowe’s and The Home Depot. Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) often receive increased donations and support through corporate matching programs. Look for special events hosted by the American Legion and local veteran service organizations that provide resources and community for families of the missing. We will update this page with confirmed live support initiatives as September approaches.

Platform Guide for National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #POWMIA. Share stories of advocacy and support for military families, highlighting corporate social responsibility initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #POWMIA. Share real-time updates from remembrance ceremonies and advocate for continued efforts to account for missing service members.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #POWMIA. Share personal stories, photos, and resources for families, fostering a sense of community and remembrance.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day Hero

Evelyn Grubb

Evelyn Grubb (1918–2005) was a tireless advocate for American prisoners of war and those missing in action, particularly during the Vietnam War era. As the wife of a missing Navy pilot, she co-founded the National League of POW/MIA Families in 1970, serving as its first chairwoman. Her relentless efforts brought national attention to the plight of POW/MIA families and pushed the U.S. government for greater accountability.

History of National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually in September around a central theme to show commitment to full accountability to the families of captured service members and missing war heroes.

The term POW and MIA mean prisoner of war and military personnel who went missing in action.

Many service members suffered as prisoners during the several wars that have happened throughout the history of the U.S. National POW/MIA Recognition Day was initiated as the day to commemorate with the family of many of the tens of thousands of service members who never made it home.

The day was first observed in 1979 after Congress and the president passed a resolution to make it official following the demands of the families of 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs who asked for accountability in finding their loved ones.it is also mostly associated with service members who were prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Regardless of where they are held in the country, National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies share the common purpose of honoring those who were held captive and returned, as well as the memory of those who remain missing in service to the United States.

Until 1979, there was no formal day set aside for these important men and women and the first observance of POW/MIA day included a remembrance ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Since then, the Pentagon is where the official observance happens, with other celebrations happening at military bases around the country and elsewhere.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day timeline

1971

POW/MIA Flag was Designed

The well-known POW/MIA’s flag is created years before the remembrance day becomes official by Mary Hoff.

1979

First Observance

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed for the first time when Congress and the president pass a resolution to make it official after the families of 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs pushed for accountability.

1990

POW/MIA Flag Recognized

Congress passes a law that recognizes the POW/MIA flag.

1999

Poster Celebration

POW/MIA Accounting Agency design a poster to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day annually.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Local businesses can honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day by displaying the POW/MIA flag and educating customers about its significance. Restaurants might offer a special ‘Missing Man Table’ display to symbolize fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members. Retailers could partner with local veteran organizations for a donation drive or offer special discounts to veterans and active-duty military. Consider hosting a moment of silence in your establishment to acknowledge the sacrifices made.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day FAQs

When is National POW/MIA Recognition Day?

In 2026, National POW/MIA Recognition Day falls on Friday, September 18. It’s a day for solemn reflection and renewed commitment to accounting for all missing service members.

How many Americans are still missing in action?

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), more than 80,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from past conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The DPAA continues recovery and identification efforts.

What is the significance of the POW/MIA flag?

The POW/MIA flag, featuring a silhouette of a prisoner of war against a guard tower, serves as a national symbol of America’s concern for its missing service members. It is the only flag besides the U.S. flag to fly over the White House.

Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day a federal holiday?

No, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, it is widely observed with ceremonies and events across the country.

How to Observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Fly a POW/MIA flag
There’s no better way to observe National POW/MIA Day than flying the flag below that of the United States. You can observe the day with the POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s annual poster too.
Visit a POW/MIA-themed museum
Try to brush up on your knowledge of the history of the United States in a POW/MIA-themed museum. Learn about the heroes, wars, and events and that was the precedence of the freedom we all enjoy.
Look back in time
Share intellectually stimulating discussions about the history of the United States with colleagues, friends, and family! Commemorate the day’s heroes by — in your memory.

5 Things To Know About National POW/MIA Recognition Day

The idea behind the day
The central phrase behind POW/MIA Recognition day is You Are Not Forgotten.
It’s a push for accountability
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is the result of a push for accountability by the families of more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs.
There’s a POW/MIA Agency
There’s a POW/MIA Accounting Agency that works to account for the more than 80,000 Americans who fought in several wars but are still missing.
There’s a POW/MIA flag
There’s a flag that's well known across America that was created by the wife of a POW and was adopted and recognized by Congress.
Posters are used to celebrate POW/MIA Recognition Day
Since 1999, the POW/MIA Accounting Agency has created a poster to annually commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Why National POW/MIA Recognition Day is Important

It is in memory of loved ones
National POW/MIA Recognition Day brings back the memory of loved ones and their experience defending the freedom we now enjoy throughout the country. It serves as a solid reminder of how much we love or miss them
It helps us reminisce about the history of our country
National POW/MIA Recognition Day helps us look back on the history of our country. It serves as a day to analyze events that have become part of the fabric of the United States.
It helps us value freedom
Yes! National POW/MIA Recognition Day helps us value the freedom we now enjoy more knowing that somewhere out there there are people suffering the consequence of fighting for it.