National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2025
9/19/2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Honor American POW/MIA and recognize their sacrifices from historical conflicts, while reaffirming the commitment to account for the missing.
- Historical Context: Highlights the severe hardships endured by POWs and the enduring grief of their families across wars from the Revolutionary War and World War II to Vietnam.
- Legacy Actions: References the National POW/MIA Flag Act, which established the black and white banner as a symbol of sacrifice and pledge to leave no one behind.
- Repatriation Efforts: Notes accomplishments such as the repatriation of remains from North Korea during the Korean War, culminating in the recent identification of the 100th service member.
- Call to Observance: Proclaims September 19, 2025, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, urging federal, state, tribal, and local officials—as well as private organizations—to commemorate with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Risks & Considerations
- The proclamation of National POW/MIA Recognition Day primarily serves as a symbolic gesture to honor and remember the sacrifices of American service members. It does not directly impose any new policies or regulations that would impact Vanderbilt University.
- While the proclamation emphasizes the importance of accountability and repatriation efforts, it does not introduce any immediate changes that would affect the university’s operations or funding.
- Vanderbilt University may consider participating in or supporting events and activities related to National POW/MIA Recognition Day as part of its community engagement and public service initiatives.
- There is an opportunity for the university to collaborate with veterans’ organizations or government agencies in research or educational programs related to military history, veterans’ affairs, or public policy.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Department of History could explore opportunities to engage in research or educational initiatives related to military history and the experiences of POWs/MIAs.
- The Office of Community Engagement might consider organizing or supporting events that honor veterans and raise awareness about the sacrifices of POWs/MIAs.
- Vanderbilt’s Veterans Resource Center could play a role in supporting veterans and their families, particularly those with connections to POW/MIAs.
Financial Impact
- The proclamation does not introduce any new funding opportunities or financial implications for Vanderbilt University.
- Participation in related events or initiatives may require minimal financial resources, primarily for community engagement and public service activities.
Relevance Score: 1 (The proclamation is primarily symbolic and does not present significant impacts or changes for the university.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Military and Veterans Affairs Office should consider organizing events or activities in recognition of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This could include hosting ceremonies, educational programs, or community discussions to honor the sacrifices of POWs/MIAs and their families, thereby strengthening ties with the veteran community.
- The Department of History could develop research projects or courses focused on the history and impact of American POWs/MIAs. This would not only contribute to academic scholarship but also enhance public understanding and awareness of these issues.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might explore opportunities to collaborate with federal and state agencies on initiatives related to POW/MIA recognition and support. This could involve participating in policy discussions or contributing to efforts aimed at accounting for missing service members.
Opportunities
- The proclamation provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies to engage in dialogue and research on the broader implications of war, captivity, and reconciliation. By hosting symposiums or publishing research, the center can contribute to national conversations on these critical issues.
- Vanderbilt can leverage this recognition day to enhance its outreach and support services for military families, potentially developing new programs or partnerships that address the unique challenges faced by those with missing or captured loved ones.
Relevance Score: 2 (The proclamation suggests minor updates to processes, primarily in terms of community engagement and academic exploration.)
Timeline for Implementation
September 19, 2025 – This date marks the observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, with Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials and private organizations called upon to host commemorative ceremonies on that day.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Federal Government Officials: The proclamation calls upon Federal officials to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, impacting executive agencies charged with military commemoration and veteran affairs.
- State Government Officials: State authorities are encouraged to participate in ceremonies and community events, thus playing an important role in commemorating POW/MIA service members.
- Tribal Government Officials: Tribal officials are also invited to observe the day, reflecting the inclusive recognition of contributions by indigenous service members.
- Local Government Officials: Local government leaders are urged to organize appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor our nation’s POW/MIA heroes at the community level.
Relevance Score: 2 (A moderate number of government agency levels are affected by the proclamation.)
Responsible Officials
- Federal Government Officials – Encouraged to observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
- State Government Officials – Called upon to organize and participate in observance ceremonies.
- Tribal Government Officials – Invited to mark the occasion through local commemorative activities.
- Local Government Officials – Expected to facilitate and conduct relevant ceremonies at the community level.
- Private Organizations – Encouraged to participate in or host observances in honor of POW/MIA service members.
Relevance Score: 1 (The directives represent a ceremonial call to a broad array of community-level officials and organizations without requiring high-level policy or administrative action.)