LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- National POW/MIA Recognition Day has been observed in September every year since 1979 after being established through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. During this time, Americans pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war and are missing in action and their families.
Every U.S. service member takes an oath to defend the constitution, accepting the responsibilities and the potential sacrifices that come along with it. As for the nearly 82,000 POW/MIA American service members and their families, these sacrifices are still felt to this day.
In honor of these Americans, Team Little Rock conducted a 24-hour vigil run which concluded with a retreat and remembrance ceremony. Airmen ran with and kept the POW/MIA flag in constant motion during the 24 hours as the names of POW/MIA individuals were read aloud.
According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, in fiscal year 2023, the agency recovered the remains of 127 service members: 88 from World War II, 35 from Korea, and four from Vietnam.
The sacrifices made by American prisoners of war and those still missing in action are never forgotten and the DPAA works tirelessly to fulfill our nation’s obligation by maximizing the number of missing personnel accounted for while ensuring timely, accurate information is provided to their families.
For more information on the DPAA and their mission, visit: https://www.dpaa.mil/.