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When is National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day?

National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day occurs on April 9th.

What is National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day?

War is brutal, and prisoners of war often endure atrocious treatment. National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day pays homage to American veterans who have suffered imprisonment under wartime conditions.

National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day occurs on the anniversary of the Bataan Death March. On April 9th, 1942, U.S. armed forces surrendered to the Japanese on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. They were forced to march 60 to 70 miles. Over 500 American soldiers died along the way because of brutal treatment at Japanese hands. Those who did not then perish in the prison camp suffered cruel treatment for two years as POWs before they made it back to the U.S.

Our soldiers safeguard our liberty, defend our economic interests, and pave the way for our children to live freely. Those who have endured wartime captivity deserve our thanks and respect. We have an opportunity to pay them this tribute on National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day.

Facts about National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day!

  • In 1987, President Ronald Reagan inaugurated the observance of National Prisoner of War Recognition Day.
  • More than 130,000 U.S. service members were POWs during World War II.
  • In a forced TV interview in North Vietnam in 1966, U.S. Navy prisoner of war Jeremiah Denton blinked out the word ‘torture’ in Morse code to signal that his actual treatment differed from the propaganda video’s script.

How to celebrate National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day:

  • Help organize a local event to honor the sacrifices and endurance of former POWs.
  • Fly the POW/MIA flag. Look up the rules to ensure you observe this tradition with respect.

What’s the hashtag for National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day?

Pay tribute to POWs on social media by using #FormerPOWRecognitionDay.