Observing POW/MIA Day

Floor Speech

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day. As we acknowledge the important role of American servicemembers and veterans, we must keep at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers the safe return of those who have gone missing in action or are prisoners of war. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is observed the third Friday of September, provides a time to honor prisoners of war, POW, and those who became missing in action, MIA.

As the brave men and women who serve our Nation commit themselves to protecting America and our freedoms, our Nation must be resolute in bringing them home should they go missing or be taken prisoner when serving our Nation in a time of war. Standing by our servicemembers includes utilizing every reasonable means of bringing them home.

POW/MIA families and veterans have remained committed to keeping the pursuit of facts at the forefront in the years since the Vietnam war. This effort and the perseverance of the POW/MIA families have been instrumental in accounting for missing military and civilian personnel from not only the Vietnam war but also World War II, the Korean war and the Cold War. Finding resolution for the families must remain a central focus as America has since engaged in subsequent wars to halt terrorism.

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor those Americans who have thankfully returned home, the families and loved ones who stood by awaiting their return, and we remain committed to finding answers for the families who continue to await the return of their missing and unaccounted-for loved ones. Each day, as we see the reminder of those Americans and their families through the POW/MIA flags that are posted at many places across our Nation, including the Halls of Congress, military sites, war memorials, national cemeteries, and U.S. postal service offices, let us not lose sight of this enduring commitment to accounting for those missing.

I look forward to the day when we can welcome all our servicemembers home. Thank you to the many servicemembers and their families for all they have done and continue to do for our country and to all those who work to ensure their return home.

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