National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025

Proclamation 10972 of September 19, 2025

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.