National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
The proclamation honors the service and sacrifice of American prisoners of war and those missing in action, expressing unwavering commitment to bringing home every missing service member.
It highlights past efforts to repatriate remains, particularly focusing on those from the Korean War and emphasizing continued efforts toward full accounting for those lost during past conflicts.
The President calls upon various government entities and private organizations to mark this day with appropriate ceremonies.
Arguments For
Honoring Sacrifice: The proclamation underscores the immense sacrifices made by American POW/MIAs and their families, recognizing their courage and patriotism.
Commitment to Accountability: It reiterates the commitment to ensuring full accountability for those still missing, reflecting a continued effort to bring closure to families.
National Unity and Remembrance: Designating a national day of recognition fosters national unity and remembrance, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made to defend the nation.
Historical Precedent: The proclamation builds upon the legacy of prior administrations recognizing the significance of POW/MIA Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made by American service members.
Arguments Against
Symbolic Gestures: Critics might argue that the proclamation is primarily a symbolic gesture, failing to address the ongoing challenges and difficulties faced by families of the missing.
Limited Practical Impact: The call for ceremonies and activities might have a limited practical impact on resolving the complex issue of accounting for those still missing.
Focus on a Single Administration's Actions: Some might argue that focusing primarily on the actions of a single administration overlooks the broader, sustained efforts of various entities to account for those missing in action across numerous conflicts.
Lack of Specific Policy Changes: The proclamation does not propose any specific policy changes or resource allocations to enhance the search and repatriation efforts.
From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the trenches of World War II to the sprawling jungles of Vietnam, thousands of our patriotic service members have been horrifically captured by the enemy and forced to endure excruciating torture, agony, and distress in the service of our Nation. On this National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day, we remember our valiant American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who were captured while fighting on foreign soil and our missing in action who have not yet returned home. We honor their courage, we salute their patriotism, and we vow full accountability for the more than 80,000 heroes still missing from the wars and conflicts of the past.
This section sets the historical context, recalling the sacrifices of countless American service members captured as prisoners of war (POWs) throughout history.
It also acknowledges the ongoing concern for over 80,000 service members still missing in action (MIAs).
Every American POW has answered the call of duty to fight not only for our country, but for the futures of our families, fellow soldiers, and our beloved Nation. Imprisoned by enemy forces, American POWs endured years of deprivation, brutality, and anguish, sustained only by uncommon resilience and grit. Their families lived in their own prison of fear and perpetual heartache, hoping and praying for a safe return. For the loved ones of the missing, the unfathomable grief endures.
This section emphasizes the personal sacrifices of POWs and the suffering endured by their families.
It highlights the extraordinary resilience shown by those captured and the lasting impact on their loved ones.
During my first Administration, I signed the National POW/MIA Flag Act directing the POW/MIA flag to be flown with the American flag. The black and white banner represents the noble sacrifices made in defense of our freedom and serves as an enduring and powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind.
The President mentions his prior support for the National POW/MIA Flag Act, highlighting the flag's symbolic importance as a representation of commitment to those missing in action.
As Commander in Chief, I remain committed to pursuing full accountability for those captured and missing in action. During my first term, I secured the repatriation of remains from North Korea, believed to be at least 250 individuals who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War. In March of this year, our Nation identified the 100th service member from the remains — ending decades of uncertainty for the families of the fallen. This sacred mission will continue until every American is returned home.
The section asserts the President's continued commitment to accounting for all missing service members.
Specific actions are cited, including the repatriation of remains from North Korea and the identification of the 100th service member from those remains.
Today, the First Lady joins me in honoring America’s POW/MIAs and their families. The debt of gratitude for their unimaginable sacrifices in defense of our sovereignty can never be repaid, and must never be forgotten.
This section underscores the participation of the First Lady and reiterates a deep debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made by POWs/MIAs and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I salute all American POWs who, in the presence of great dangers and uncertainties, honored their duty to this great country. Let this day also serve as a reminder for our Nation to strengthen our resolve to account for those who are still missing and provide their families long-sought answers. I call upon Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
This is the official proclamation declaring September 19th as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
It calls for appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor those who served and are still missing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
This closing section formally attests to the authenticity of the proclamation, providing the date and year.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the President's signature.