General Knowledge

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

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,

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.

National Cherish an Antique Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Antique

Jumbo Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Kosovo Constitution Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

5 MIND-BLOWING FACTS ABOUT POWS WE BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Prisoners who are captured can work in prison and earn money.

Prisoners are usually tempted by the captors into gaining freedom by enlisting into their armies.

More than 130,000 U.S. service members were POWs during World War II.

U.S. Navy POW, Jeremiah Denton, blinked out the word ‘torture’ in Morse code in a forced T.V. interview in North Vietnam.

After the end of a war, all POWs must be let go quickly.

National Unicorn Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Name Yourself Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

Orthodox Palm Sunday 2023: Date, History, Facts about Orthodox

NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY DATES

Year Date Day
2023 April 9 Sunday
2024 April 9 Tuesday
2025 April 9 Wednesday
2026 April 9 Thursday
2027 April 9 Friday
Arshiya Khan

Arshiya Khan is a Commerce graduate who loves to write on general and trending topics.

Recent Posts

Federal Student Loan Changes 2025: New Borrowing Limits Affect Graduate Students

A new federal law ends unlimited Grad PLUS loans for graduate students. Borrowing caps of…

2 days ago

SSA Adds 13 New Conditions to Fast-Track Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration added 13 new serious medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances List.…

2 days ago

California Climate Credit 2025: Families Can Save Over $500 Automatically on Utility Bills

California’s Climate Credit gives households an automatic discount on utility bills. Most families in California…

3 days ago

Trump’s New Baby Stimulus: $1,000 At Birth Can Grow Up To $93,000 By Retirement

President Trump’s new law gives $1,000 to every baby born in the U.S. between 2025-2028.…

3 days ago

New York Summer EBT Funds Running Out: Spend Before October 17, 2025

Millions of families in New York must spend their Summer EBT benefits before October 17,…

4 days ago

Veterans Affairs and Government Shutdown: Full List of Services Open and Closed for Veterans

The government shutdown has forced furloughs at the VA, but essential services like medical care,…

4 days ago