Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Lead Nation in Honoring POWs and MIAs
Washington D.C. – September 18, 2024 – The Department of Defense today hosted its annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the unwavering courage and profound sacrifices of prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The ceremony, held on September 18, 2024, was presided over by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., underscoring the nation’s enduring commitment to these service members and their families.
The event, publicized by Defense.gov with a timestamp of 2024-09-18 17:17, served as a poignant reminder of the debt owed to those who endured captivity or whose fates remain unconfirmed after their service to the country. Secretary Austin and General Brown, alongside distinguished guests, military leaders, and families of POWs and MIAs, gathered to pay their respects and recommit to the ongoing efforts to account for every missing service member.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday of September, a time when the nation collectively remembers those who served with valor, endured hardship, and made the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s ceremony continued that vital tradition, providing a platform for remembrance, gratitude, and a renewed pledge of accountability.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of the POW/MIA mission, highlighting the meticulous and often challenging work undertaken by dedicated personnel to bring closure to families and ensure that no service member is ever forgotten. The presence of family members of POWs and MIAs was central to the day’s proceedings, offering a deeply personal connection to the sacrifices being honored. Their resilience and unwavering hope serve as a constant inspiration.
The Department of Defense remains steadfast in its commitment to the fullest possible accounting of all personnel missing from past conflicts. This includes leveraging technological advancements, diplomatic engagement, and ongoing investigative efforts to bring answers and closure to the families who have long awaited them. The ceremony served as a powerful affirmation of this enduring promise.
As the nation reflects on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the contributions and sacrifices of these brave individuals are brought to the forefront, reinforcing the profound respect and gratitude held for their service and the enduring impact of their legacies.
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Defense.gov published ‘Secretary of Defense Austin, JCS Chairman Gen. Brown Host the 2024 Department of Defense National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony’ at 2024-09-18 17:17. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.