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National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

Honoring the sacrifice of those who endured captivity in service to their nation, their bravery is a testament to the human spirit.

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Honor military sacrifice and raise awareness of POW/MIA stories through memorial visits, flag displays, and educational content that resonates with veterans, patriotic audiences, and local communities.

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Share POW/MIA memorial locations and virtual tours for those unable to visit in person
Spotlight personal stories of former POWs and their resilience
Promote POW/MIA flag displays at businesses and homes with educational context
Partner with veteran organizations and military museums for awareness campaigns

History

Each year, the President of the United States sets forth a proclamation to honor the courage of men and women who are former Prisoners of War (POWs), as well as recognizing those who are still Missing in Action (MIA).

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is held on April 9 in recognition of the Bataan Death March of 1942.

This was when tens of thousands of American and Filipino prisoners of war were made to march as part of the World War II activities. Around 78,000 prisoners were forced to walk a 66 mile trail, lasting 5-10 days, during which many of them were attacked, abused, beaten and killed.

In 1988, after four years of a movement seeking recognition, the US Congress approved the legislation set forth to recognize this as an annual day of honor for former POWs.

Since that time, National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day seeks to honor and pay tribute to the more than 500,000 members of the American military who have sacrificed their own freedom as prisoners of war.

How to celebrate

Visit the POW and MIA War Memorial

One way to observe National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is to visit the prisoner of war memorials. These memorials and museums aim to embrace, honor, educate and celebrate the future with respect to former POWs and MIA service members. Several are located throughout the US, including in Jacksonville, Florida; Winchester, Virginia; Andersonville, Georgia; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visit one of these or another military museum to gain a better understanding of the trials and sacrifices made by these POWs and MIA military persons.

Fly a POW/MIA Flag

Developed in 1972, the flag representing POW/MIA persons carries a black background with a bent head and the words “You are Not Forgotten”. Fly this flag at home or at a business in honor of National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, whether only throughout the week or all throughout the year.

Learn More about Prisoners of War

In observance of National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, it would be a great idea to find out more about the movement and the cause. One good place to get information is through the US government Department of Defense website.

FAQ

What is a prisoner of war under international law?

Under the Third Geneva Convention, a prisoner of war (POW) is a member of the armed forces of a party to a conflict, or certain associated groups like militias or volunteer corps, who falls into the power of the enemy during an international armed conflict. To qualify, they must meet criteria such as being under responsible command, having a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance, carrying arms openly, and conducting operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war. Once captured, they are entitled to specific protections, including humane treatment and immunity from prosecution for lawful acts of war.

How are prisoners of war supposed to be treated under the Geneva Conventions?

International humanitarian law requires that POWs be treated humanely at all times, without any adverse distinction based on race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or similar criteria. They must be protected from violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity; provided with adequate food, shelter, and medical care; allowed to send and receive letters and cards; and given safeguards if they are tried for alleged crimes. Forced labor is tightly regulated and may not be connected to military operations or be dangerous, unhealthy, or humiliating.

What are some common long-term health effects experienced by former prisoners of war?

Former POWs have higher rates of chronic physical and mental health problems than many other veterans. Studies of former POWs show increased risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, along with chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, and conditions related to starvation and exposure such as osteoporosis. The severity and duration of captivity, including torture or deprivation, are strongly associated with later health outcomes, and symptoms can persist or emerge decades after release.

How do the experiences of prisoners of war differ from those of other war survivors?

While many war survivors experience trauma, POWs often endure prolonged captivity, enforced dependence on their captors, severe deprivation, and sometimes torture or forced labor. This combination of life threat, loss of control, isolation, and humiliation can produce distinct patterns of psychological distress, including captivity-related PTSD and moral injury. Compared with other combat veterans, former POWs generally report higher levels of intrusive memories, nightmares, and physical health complaints, especially when captivity conditions were harsh or cruel.

What protections exist for prisoners of war who go missing or whose status is unknown?

International humanitarian law requires parties to a conflict to account for persons who have fallen into their hands, to register POWs, and to provide information about them to a central agency so families can be informed. When POWs are missing, states must search for them, investigate their fate, and handle human remains with respect. The International Committee of the Red Cross plays a key role by visiting detainees, facilitating family contact, and operating the Central Tracing Agency, which helps clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in armed conflicts.

What support services are typically available to former POWs and their families?

In many countries, former POWs may qualify for specialized medical and mental health care, disability benefits, and pension programs that recognize captivity-related injuries and illnesses. In the United States, for example, former POWs are eligible for priority enrollment in Department of Veterans Affairs health care, certain presumptive disability conditions, counseling, and readjustment services. Similar programs exist in other nations through veterans’ ministries or defense departments, often including family support, trauma counseling, and assistance with reintegration.

What are some common misconceptions about prisoners of war and missing in action personnel?

A frequent misconception is that POWs have few legal rights and can be treated as ordinary criminals, when in fact they are protected combatants with extensive safeguards under the Geneva Conventions. Another misunderstanding is that “missing in action” always means a person is alive in captivity; in reality, MIA status simply means their fate is not yet verified and may involve death, unlocated remains, or unresolved records. It is also wrongly assumed that captivity ends when a POW is released, yet research shows that psychological and physical effects often continue throughout a survivor’s life.