While the POW/MIA flag is directed by congressional order to fly on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and on Veterans Day on the grounds of military installations, federal cemeteries, war memorials, at post offices, at official defense offices and at the White House, National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be observed on Friday, Sept. 18.
This day honors our nation’s missing service members and their families, and highlights the government’s commitment to account for them. America’s POW/MIAs should be honored and recognized, rather than memorialized, with the focus on continuing commitment to account as fully as possible for those still missing.
According to the National League of POW/MIA Families, there are more than 1,900 American military service members still missing or unaccounted-for. Of this number, 106 are from New York State and of that, the county’s veterans service office reports that 28 are from Nassau County. Conversely, hundreds have been removed from the official list through documented repatriation in countries like Vietnam, China and South Korea.
Who are these POW/MIAs? They are prisoners of war, missing soldiers, hostages, military detainees or simply forgotten in foreign lands. Honor veterans. Fly your flags. The mission is not over until every last one comes home.
Nassau County will observe the day with a special POW/MIA recognition ceremony on Friday, Sept. 18, at Eisenhower Park at 11 a.m.
