More About National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9th honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. As a result, they've also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.
#FormerPOWRecognitionDay
On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.
ONE HEALTH DAY - November 3
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Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.
HOW TO OBSERVE FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY
Government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events.
Some states require organizations and government facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on this day.
Honor former POWs by helping to organize events.
Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag.
Volunteer to help a veteran organization.
Learn more by visiting the American Legion.
Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY
In 1984, a movement led by former POWs began seeking a day recognizing former Prisoners of War on April 9th each year. In 1988, Congress approved legislation setting April 9th to commemorate the date the tragic number of captives were taken prisoner on Bataan. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 1, 1988, through Presidential Proclamation 5788. He set the observance for April 9, 1988. Since then, through legislation and Presidential Proclamations, the observance carries on.
POW FAQ
Q. How old is the POW/MIA flag?
A. The National League of POW/MIA Families approved the flag in 1972.
Q. What does it say at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag?
A. "You are not forgotten" is printed at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag representing the commitment to bring all POW and MIA personnel home
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9th honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. As a result, they've also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.
#FormerPOWRecognitionDay
On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.
ONE HEALTH DAY - November 3
Read More
Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.
HOW TO OBSERVE FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY
Government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events.
Some states require organizations and government facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on this day.
Honor former POWs by helping to organize events.
Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag.
Volunteer to help a veteran organization.
Learn more by visiting the American Legion.
Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL FORMER POW RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY
In 1984, a movement led by former POWs began seeking a day recognizing former Prisoners of War on April 9th each year. In 1988, Congress approved legislation setting April 9th to commemorate the date the tragic number of captives were taken prisoner on Bataan. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 1, 1988, through Presidential Proclamation 5788. He set the observance for April 9, 1988. Since then, through legislation and Presidential Proclamations, the observance carries on.
POW FAQ
Q. How old is the POW/MIA flag?
A. The National League of POW/MIA Families approved the flag in 1972.
Q. What does it say at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag?
A. "You are not forgotten" is printed at the bottom of the POW/MIA flag representing the commitment to bring all POW and MIA personnel home
Date & Time
April 9, 2024
Communities
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