BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
From the hallowed grounds of the Revolutionary War to the grim realities of World War II, and through the dense foliage of Vietnam, countless brave service members have faced the harrowing ordeal of captivity at the hands of the enemy. On this National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day, we pay tribute to our heroic Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen who were taken during combat abroad, as well as to those who remain unaccounted for. We honor their indomitable spirit, salute their unwavering patriotism, and pledge to relentlessly pursue answers for the over 80,000 gallant individuals still missing from past conflicts.
Each American POW has risen to the call of duty, fighting not only for our nation but also for the future of their families and comrades. Enduring years of deprivation and brutality, these brave souls demonstrated extraordinary resilience and grit, often drawing strength from hope. Meanwhile, the families of the missing endured their own torment, trapped in a cycle of fear and sorrow, forever hoping for a joyful reunion. For those left behind, the weight of uncertainty is a heavy burden that never truly lifts.
During my previous term, I enacted the National POW/MIA Flag Act, ensuring that the POW/MIA flag is flown alongside the American flag. This black and white standard stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of our freedom and symbolizes our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is ever forgotten.
As Commander in Chief, I remain steadfast in my resolve to achieve full accountability for those captured and missing in action. In my first term, I facilitated the repatriation of remains from North Korea, believed to be at least 250 individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War. Just this past March, our nation identified the 100th service member from those remains, bringing closure to families who have endured decades of uncertainty. This sacred mission will continue until every American is brought home.
Today, the First Lady and I stand together in honoring America’s POWs and MIAs along with their families. The gratitude we owe for their immense sacrifices in defense of our freedom is immeasurable and must never fade from our collective memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by 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 faced peril and uncertainty yet remained loyal to their duty to this great nation. May this day also serve as a clarion call for our country to strengthen our determination to account for those who are still missing and to provide their families the answers they have long sought. I urge Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials, along with private organizations, to commemorate this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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.
DONALD J. TRUMP
