POW/MIA stands for Prisoners of War/Missing in Action. It's a national symbol and movement that honors those who were held captive during war or are still unaccounted for after conflicts. The symbol is black and white flag with a silhouette of a man, barbed wire, and a watchtower, along with the phrase "You are not forgotten". National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September.
Key aspects of the POW/MIA symbol and movement:
Remembrance and Honor:
The POW/MIA flag and the related ceremonies serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing commitment to account for those still missing.
National Observance:
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September each year.
Symbolism:
The flag's design, with the silhouette and the phrase "You are not forgotten," represents the sorrow, anxiety, and hope associated with the POW/MIA experience.
"Missing Man" Table:
A special "Missing Man" table is often set up a formal military events, symbolizing the missing service member.
Ongoing Effort:
The U.S. government, through agencies like the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), continues efforts to recover and identify remains of those listed as POW/MIA.
Family Advocacy:
Organizations like the National League of POW/MIA Families advocate for the release of prisoners, accounting for the missing, and repatriation of remains.
