SPECIAL TO DARKHORSE PRESS: Across the United States each year, Americans pause on April 9 to observe National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, a solemn occasion honoring service members who endured captivity in defense of the nation.
The date marks the anniversary of the Bataan Death March, one of the most harrowing episodes of World War II. On April 9, 1942, U.S. and allied forces surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. In the days that followed, thousands of captured Americans were forced to march under brutal conditions, suffering abuse, starvation and death. More than 500 Americans died during the march, which was later classified as a war crime.
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day was established decades later through the efforts of former POWs who sought formal acknowledgment of their bravery and sacrifice. Their advocacy led to congressional action in 1988, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating April 9 as a day of national recognition.
Since then, communities across the country have marked the observance with ceremonies, memorial events and the flying of the POW/MIA flag, a symbol of remembrance for those who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action.
The observance also serves as a reminder of the enduring physical and emotional toll captivity can take on service members. Former POWs have historically faced long recoveries after returning home, often carrying the lasting trauma of their imprisonment.
In a 2025 proclamation, the President called on Americans to honor former prisoners of war and recognize their sacrifices, noting that many endured captivity “as a consequence of defending American freedom.” The proclamation also urged federal, state and local officials, as well as civic organizations, to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day remains one of the nation’s more somber military observances. It’s a day not only to reflect on the horrors of war, but also to recognize the resilience, courage and enduring spirit of those who survived captivity in service to their country.