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Get ready to honor and recognize the bravery of former prisoners of war on April 9, which marks National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day. This day was first designated by Congress in 1987 to pay tribute to all those who have endured the hardships and sacrifices of being a prisoner of war. It's also a time to reflect on the importance of supporting and advocating for veterans who have served our country. Let's take this opportunity to show our gratitude and respect for their incredible courage and resilience.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WWII POWs</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War II, hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers were held as prisoners of war by Axis forces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Korean War Captivity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Over 7,000 American soldiers were held as prisoners during the Korean War, subjected to severe weather, inadequate food, and forced labor.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s-1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vietnam War POWs</div><div class='timeline-text'>Approximately 800 U.S. military personnel were confirmed prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Many were subjected to brutal conditions and torture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Operation Homecoming</div><div class='timeline-text'>Operation Homecoming was an initiative to return 591 American prisoners of war held by North Vietnam, marking the end of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Congressional Designation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress officially designated April 9 as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day to honor and commemorate the courage of former POWs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every April 9, individuals, communities, and organizations across the U.S. observe National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, honoring those who endured captivity during wartime.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a former POW reunion</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you know any former POWs, organize a reunion for them to come together and share their stories. It will be a meaningful and memorable way to honor their sacrifices on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a ceremony or parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold ceremonies or parades to honor former POWs. Attend one in your area to show your support and gratitude for these brave men and women.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters of appreciation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write letters expressing your appreciation and thanks to former POWs. This small gesture can go a long way in showing your support and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to organizations supporting former POWs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations that support former POWs and their families. Consider making a donation to one of these organizations in honor of National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories and educate others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this day as an opportunity to share stories of former POWs and educate others about the sacrifices they have made for our country. This can be done through social media, blogs, or in-person conversations.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors the sacrifice and courage of former POWs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day is an important holiday as it acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices made by prisoners of war. It's a day to remember those who were captured and endured unimaginable hardships while serving their country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises awareness of POW issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Another reason why this day is important is because it raises awareness about issues surrounding prisoners of war. It brings attention to the physical, emotional, and psychological toll that being a POW can have on individuals and their families, and encourages support for programs and services that aid in the recovery of these brave men and women.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Remembers and pays tribute to POWs who never returned home</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Unfortunately, not all prisoners of war make it back home. National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day serves as a reminder to honor and pay tribute to those who never returned. It brings attention to the fact that freedom comes at a great cost, and serves as a reminder to never forget the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Executiv Order 8647 was instituted by FDR</h3><p class='facts-content'>President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the Executive Order 8647 in 1942 which upgraded the status of the Office of the Provost Marshal General in charge of POW affairs to a top-level independent status.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A predefined code of conduct is followed by POWs</h3><p class='facts-content'>The "U.S. Fighting Man's Code" outlines conduct for American service members when captured, including providing only name, rank, service number, and date of birth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>UN Resolution 285 was adopted, ensuring support</h3><p class='facts-content'>United Nations Resolution 285, adopted in 1950, demands aid and protection for prisoners of war in conflicts, ensuring their rights are upheld under the Geneva Convention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Red Cross's significant role</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Red Cross plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of POWs worldwide by facilitating communication between prisoners and their families and providing aid where needed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>POWs demonstrated incredible resilience through "Tap Code"</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Vietnam War, American POWs developed a special code language known as “Tap Code,” allowing them to communicate with each other by tapping on the prison walls, showcasing their resilience and solidarity during intolerable conditions.</p></div></div>
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is celebrated on April 9 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday.
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Apr 9
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2024
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Apr 9
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2026
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