Sept. 15 is the day our nation will observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day. It is a day of special importance to the VFW because we are going for a full accounting of all our troops, no matter when the U.S. conflict occurred. The actual commitment goes all the way back to 1929 when a VFW group assisted in getting the return of the remains of 86 U.S. troops which were killed in 1918-19 in North Russia.

After World War II, the focus remained intense and after the Korean War, VFW Posts throughout the country would hold ceremonies for the remains of all fallen troops. 1991 was the year the first VFW veterans’ service organization traveled to Viet Nam pushing to have the remains of our people from that war. For the next 30 years, VFW leaders would continue to make the journey to Southeast Asia.

During the COVID restrictions, the trips stopped, but earlier this year were resumed. The dedication of teams consisting of American active duty troops, American scientists and local civilians is not only a fascinating process, it is a humble one at the very same time. All the assistance of these groups is much appreciated and necessary to the success of the mission.

The influence of the VFW in Washington was responsible for the formation of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) whose sole mission is to recover troops U.S. troops listed as POWS and MIAS. As of May 22, 1,579 troops of the Viet Nam war are still MIA. The missing Americans from World War II amounts to 72,220, 7,497 from Korea, and 132 are missing from the Cold War, Operation El Dorado Canyon (Northern Africa) and the Persian Gulf War.

The first break in visits after COVID was when the VFW Veterans members service coordinated recovery site visits to Vietnam. For the first time in four years, the VFW is able to meet the challenge of helping with first hand humanitarian work which the DPAA does in Southeast Asia. It is a very important undertaking and we are proud to be part of the efforts.

All the Posts across the nation are participating in some form of ceremony to commemorate the day. It is the mission of the VFW to never forget those MIA or POWS. Each Post will decide on their own type of ceremony, but the lowering of our nations flag is an important part, as it serves to remind us of those who gave their all.

In keeping with the National Recognition day, on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m., VFW Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres is hosting a POW/MIA ceremony followed by a chicken dinner. We are located at 25 S. Homestead Road. The public is welcome to attend and if you do, you’ll be glad you did!