The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Americans take this time to remember prisoners of war (POW) and recognize those who are still missing in action (MIA).
Many veterans organizations commemorate this day by setting an extra space at an empty table and saying a few words of remembrance. Known as the “POW/MIA Table Ceremony”, it reminds us that we can “Never Forget” the soldiers of America who have not come home:
-As you entered the dining area this evening, you may have noticed a small table in the place of honor near our head table. It is set for one.
The military caste is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that the members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst.
They are commonly called, POW/MIA. We call them brothers. They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them because of their incarceration.
- This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
- The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. Remember!
- The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who kept the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
- The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
- A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
- There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of families’ tears as they wait. Remember!
- The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night. Remember!
- The chair, the chair is empty, they are not here. Remember!”
The National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag symbolizes the United States’ resolve to never forget POWs or those who served their country in conflicts and are still missing.
Newt Heisley designed the flag. The flag’s design features a silhouette of a young man, which is based on Mr Heisley’s son, who was medically discharged from the military. As Mr Heisley looked at his returning son’s gaunt features, he imagined what life was for those behind barbed wire fences on foreign shores. He then sketched the profile of his son as the new flag’s design was created in his mind.
The flag features a white disk bearing in black silhouette a man’s bust, a watch tower with a guard on patrol, and a strand of barbed wire. White letters “POW” and “MIA”, with a white five-pointed star in between, are typed above the disk. Below the disk is a black and white wreath above the motto “You Are Not Forgotten” written in white, capital letters.
The POW/MIA flag can be displayed on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriot Day and Veterans Day. The POW/MIA flag can be seen displayed on these memorial holidays and remembrance days at State Capitols, the White House, the Korean War Veterans Memorial the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, national cemeteries, various government buildings, and major military installations.