National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Pows

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day observed annually on April 9 recognizes and honors the courageous prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still missing in action (MIA). Did you know that prisoners of war must be treated decently with respect? Yes, although they are prisoners of war, they will be allowed to have all the basic rights. On this day, back in 1942, American veterans were held by the Japanese and endured harsh treatment. While some survived, there were countless numbers of people that died on their way to the prison camps. Let’s learn more about them!

The background of National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition

War is a brutal act that humans have carried out ever since they learned to use sticks and stones as weapons. Prisoners of War (POW), the people who are captured by the opposition party as prisoners during the war, often endure atrocious treatment. National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day aims to honor those courageous fighters of the nation who had to endure

National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day occurs on the anniversary of the Bataan Death march. On April 9, 1942, the United States Forces surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army on the Bataan Peninsula. All Survivors were loaded to a box train and brought to Camp O’Donnell. During this march, POWs were physically abused and tortured, causing the death of over 500 Americans. This is called the Bataan Death March. Later, this action of the Japanese Army was judged to be a Japanese War Crime.

In 1984, former POWs led a movement to recognize April 9, the day of the Bataan Death March, as the National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. On April 1, 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed April 9 be set aside to recognize the brave veterans. Reagan announced the holiday through the Presidential Proclamation 5788, and congress agreed with the legislation. Since then, on this day, every year, government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations across the nation observe this day with ceremonies and events. They also fly the POW/MIA flag on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

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