BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA The glorious liberty that makes America the envy of the world has been secured and sustained by brave and selfless patriots from every war and conflict since the founding of our Republic. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we pause to pay everlasting tribute to the defenders of freedom who were imprisoned on foreign soil and endured brutal treatment and unimaginable horrors while held in captivity and the approximately 80,000 souls still missing in action.
Today and every day, the POW/MIA flag is proudly displayed above the White House and alongside the Stars and Stripes at designated Federal office buildings nationwide. The distinctive black and white banner bearing the words “You Are Not Forgotten” stands as a righteous covenant that our Government will never abandon those who took an oath to defend the Constitution and as a visible reminder that this sacred mission is not complete until all our service members are repatriated.
The relentless efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing warriors are critical to families searching for answers, and they teach future generations the gravity of what was given and lost on their behalf and our moral obligation to never leave an American behind. Last month, DPAA reached a significant milestone with its 800th identification of remains from the Korean War.
Every final homecoming brings an end to the agonizing, decades-long vigil of uncertainty for the bereaved family and the opportunity for a grateful Nation to bestow burial honors worthy of the sacrifice made for freedom’s cause. The name, story, and fate of each POW/MIA are integral to America’s legacy of valor, and my Administration will spare no effort or resource to fulfill our promise to those who answered the…