National POW/MIA Recognition Day • Third Friday in September
You Are Not Forgotten
Honoring former prisoners of war, remembering those who remain missing, supporting their families, and renewing America’s promise to pursue the fullest possible accounting.
A Message of Remembrance
All those who answered their country’s call served with courage, judgment, integrity, and dedication. For those who remain Prisoners of War or are still Missing in Action, that dedication has never ended. Their service continues, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. It is our responsibility to honor them, remember them, and ensure their legacy endures.
National Recognition Day
A National Promise Since 1979
National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors Americans who endured captivity, those who returned, those who remain missing, and the families who continue to wait for answers.
Established by Proclamation
President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation establishing a national day of recognition for former prisoners of war, Americans missing in action, and their families.
The 2026 National Observance
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed on Friday, September 18, 2026. A presidential proclamation was issued on September 16, 2026, continuing the annual national observance.
An Annual Day of Remembrance
The observance is held each year on the third Friday in September to honor those who endured captivity, those who returned, those still missing, and the families who continue to seek answers.
One Shared Purpose
Recognition ceremonies are held at military installations, ships, government facilities, schools, veterans facilities, and community organizations throughout the United States.
The Mission Continues
Accounting for America’s Missing
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency works around the world to investigate cases, recover remains, and identify missing American service members. Each identification can provide long-awaited answers to a family and advances the nation’s commitment to the fullest possible accounting.
A Worldwide Mission
DPAA researchers, investigators, recovery teams, scientists, and military partners continue the difficult work of finding and identifying Americans who remain unaccounted for from past conflicts.
Americans Still Unaccounted For
As of September 2026, the VFW reports that fewer than 81,000 American service members remain missing and unaccounted for from conflicts dating back to World War II.
Department of Washington
The Department remains committed to POW/MIA recognition, remembrance, and programs supporting the mission to account for America’s missing.
Department POW/MIA ChairmanRich Angeli
Recognition Day, missing-personnel, advocacy, and Department program information were reviewed against current DPAA, VFW National, VFW Department of Washington, and White House sources on .
The Missing Man Table
Every Item Carries Meaning
The place of honor—also called the Missing Man or Fallen Comrade Table—keeps absent service members present in our thoughts. The ceremony may vary, but these symbols are widely used in VFW and military observances.
The Small Round Table
Its size reflects the isolation and vulnerability of one prisoner, while its round shape represents continuing concern for those who remain missing.
The White Tablecloth
It represents the purity of purpose with which service members answered the nation’s call.
The Empty Chair
It represents those who are absent and unable to join their comrades and loved ones.
The Single Red Rose
It honors each missing person and the families and friends who continue to keep faith and await answers.
The Ribbon
Ribbon color and wording vary by ceremony. It commonly represents remembrance, hope, and continued determination to account for the missing.
The Candle
When included, the candle represents hope and the continuing desire for the return or accounting of those still missing.
The Slice of Lemon
Its bitterness recalls the difficult fate endured by those captured or missing in a foreign land.
The Pinch of Salt
It symbolizes the tears of the missing and of families who continue to seek answers.
The Inverted Glass
It marks the absent service member’s inability to share in the ceremonial toast.
The Book of Faith
When included, it represents faith and the spiritual strength that sustains those who wait.
Remembrance Tribute
A Tribute to Our POW/MIA
This supplementary video tribute honors service members who remain missing and those who endured captivity. The essential remembrance message is also provided in written form on this page.
Until They All Come Home
VFW Post 7824 remains committed to honoring our nation’s prisoners of war, accounting for those still missing, and supporting their families.
