National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025
This is a presidential proclamation designating September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It reaffirms the United States’ commitment to account for Americans who were prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA) and notes ongoing efforts to identify remains and provide families with answers. The proclamation cites historical actions, including the National POW/MIA Flag Act, which directs the POW/MIA flag to fly alongside the American flag, and highlights recent progress in recovering and identifying service members from past conflicts (repatriation of remains from Korea and the identification of the 100th service member in March). It invites federal, state, tribal, and local governments as well as private organizations to observe the day with ceremonies and activities. The First Lady is acknowledged, and the document honors the courage and sacrifices of POWs, MIAs, and their families, underscoring the nation’s obligation to remain steadfast in seeking full accountability. As a proclamation, this document publicly recognizes the day and calls for observance; it does not create new law or funding but reinforces continuity of government efforts to locate, identify, and honor missing service members and to support their families.
Key Points
- 1Proclaims September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day and calls for appropriate ceremonies and activities to observe it.
- 2Reaffirms the nation’s ongoing commitment to account for POWs and MIAs, referencing progress such as repatriation of remains from Korea and identification of the 100th service member, while noting that more than 80,000 service members remain missing from past wars and conflicts.
- 3References the National POW/MIA Flag Act, noting that the POW/MIA flag flies with the U.S. flag as a symbol of sacrifice and commitment to never leave anyone behind.
- 4Acknowledges the First Lady and honors the families of POW/MIA service members, reiterating gratitude for sacrifices and the goal of providing long-sought answers to families.
- 5Urges federal, state, tribal, and local government officials and private organizations to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.