The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will honor Americans who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action on September 19 -- the 19th annual National POW-MIA Recognition Day.
VA Secretary-Designate Hershel Gober asked staff at VA facilities to initiate or participate in ceremonies or special observances in remembrance of Americans missing in action or imprisoned during all conflicts.
"We can never repay these brave Americans for their sacrifice on behalf of our nation," Gober said. "Research findings on long-term medical problems in POWs continue to emerge, and VA strives to meet their health-care needs. But it is vital that the nation take these special opportunities to gratefully acknowledge living former prisoners of war, pay tribute to those now deceased, and support the families of MIAs."
Congress and the President have proclaimed a POW-MIA Recognition Day each year since 1979. VA will participate in many jointly conducted ceremonies with Department of Defense (DOD) installations, local governments and veterans service organizations.
VA also will promote and publicize observances and ceremonies by distributing a POW-MIA Recognition Day poster to all VA and DOD installations, Coast Guard facilities, Postal Service facilities, state veterans offices, veterans groups and private organizations.
