Honoring Sacrifice: Deputy Secretary of Defense Hosts National POW/MIA Recognition Day Commemoration
Washington D.C. – The Department of Defense, led by Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist, convened on September 17, 2020, to host the 2020 National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day Commemoration. This solemn event served as a poignant reminder of the profound sacrifices made by those who were held as prisoners of war or remain unaccounted for from conflicts past.
The commemoration, held at the Pentagon, brought together military leaders, surviving family members, and dedicated personnel committed to the enduring promise of never leaving a fallen comrade behind. Deputy Secretary Norquist, in his remarks, underscored the nation’s deep gratitude and unwavering commitment to the well-being and eventual return of all American service members who have endured captivity or whose whereabouts remain unknown.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed annually on the third Friday of September, is a dedicated day to acknowledge the sacrifices and suffering endured by POWs and to recognize the families who have lived with uncertainty and loss. It is also a day to renew the nation’s commitment to accounting for every missing service member.
The ceremony featured various elements designed to honor the courage and resilience of POWs and the enduring hope for the return of MIAs. These traditions symbolize the nation’s enduring respect and the continuous efforts undertaken by the Department of Defense to locate, identify, and repatriate fallen service members. The gathering served as a powerful testament to the values of duty, honor, and country that define the American military.
Deputy Secretary Norquist emphasized the critical importance of the ongoing work conducted by various government agencies and military branches dedicated to the recovery and identification of remains, as well as the persistent pursuit of information regarding those still missing. He reiterated the Pentagon’s steadfast dedication to utilizing every available resource and employing advanced scientific and investigative techniques to bring closure to families and honor the service of these brave individuals.
The 2020 National POW/MIA Recognition Day Commemoration was a moving occasion, reinforcing the nation’s solemn pledge to remember and account for all those who have served and sacrificed for the United States of America.
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