POW/MIA
We will not rest until we achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing American military service members from all wars.
The numbers of unaccounted-for personnel are staggering, currently 83,000, and the length of time since they have been lost is extensive, going back to World War II. Many will never be recovered because the loss occurred over deep water, were due to catastrophic explosions, or eyewitnesses to the incidents have long since passed, but every new identification helps bring closure to one more American family, and is one step closer to achieving the fullest possible accounting of our missing. It is also a re-commitment to those serving in uniform today that America will bring you home.
We encourage the U.S. government to continue its POW/MIA accounting efforts, and we are directly engaged with other nations and their veterans’ groups to urge their cooperation and assistance to obtain information about missing Americans. VFW national officers make annual trips to Pacific, Asian and European countries where they always meet with senior host-country officials to stress the importance of conducting investigation and recovery operations, as well as gaining access to documents and archival research facilities.
The VFW is the only veterans’ organization to return to Southeast Asia every year since 1991, to Russia since 2004, and now into China for nearly a decade. The VFW opens doors on a vet-to-vet level that makes us the envy of U.S. government politicians and bureaucrats who must follow a strict protocol.
The VFW's Action Corps weekly e-newsletter lists returned MIAs once their names are posted on the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's website
POW/MIA FLAG -- OFFICIAL DISPLAY DAYS.
(Public Law 105-85 (November 16, 1997) indicates the days that federal agencies, military installations and U.S. post offices are required to display the POW/MIA flag.)
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Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May)
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Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
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Flag Day June 14
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Independence Day July 4
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National POW/MIA Day (third Friday in September)
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Veterans Day November 11
Documented ceremonies can be submitted for Community Service.
In the Canteen, you will see the table shown above. Have you ever wondered why it's there and what does it mean?
This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that there are those who are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them Brothers. They’re unable to be with us this day, so we remember them because of their incarceration.
Set for one, the empty place represents those Americans still missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. This Honor's Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us here, in spirit.
The Table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.
The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner, alone trying to stand up against his oppressors.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, as well as the loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting their return.
The yellow ribbon tied to the vase, is a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of their bitter fate.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the family’s tears as they wait.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted – they cannot toast with us this day.
The chair, the chair is empty -- they are missing.
We remember all who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely they have not forsaken you.