The Shadow
(VR) – POW/MIA Day was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to honor prisoners of war (POWs) and those missing in action (MIAs). It is observed annually on the third Friday of September. This year, it will be observed on September 18, 2026. Various events and ceremonies will be held nationwide to commemorate the day.
There will not be a special ceremony in the Alleghany Highlands, but the following are suggestions for nearby events:
National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA — September 18 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Join the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial’s POW/MIA flag on the east lawn. This event recognizes and remembers American prisoners of war and those who remain missing. Regular admission fees apply to the memorial grounds.
Virginia War Memorial, 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA — September 18 at 10 a.m. Attendees should arrive by 9:45 a.m.
The official state ceremony features guest speakers, military officials, patriotic tributes, and recognition of recently identified Virginia service members. Attendees can also view the major exhibit, “Virginia’s MIAs: The Search Continues.” Admission and parking are free.
The POW/MIA flag was adopted in 1972 by the National League of Families. The flag features an emblem representing American prisoners of war and missing personnel.
The 2026 Poster
Designed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), this year’s official poster features a central Gold Star symbolizing family sacrifice, the POW/MIA flag representing the legacy carried by loved ones, and the Warrior Ethos guiding the agency’s mission.
The DPAA, or Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, is a Department of Defense agency that works to account for and repatriate U.S. service members who are or were prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA) from past conflicts. Its mission is to provide families and the nation with the most complete possible record of these missing personnel.
The DPAA uses a combination of historical research, recovery operations, and forensic science, including DNA analysis, to identify remains and bring them home.
The Department of Virginia’s 2026-2027 Joint Special Project is Operation Bring Them Home. This project is being conducted by the DPAA and is also the National President’s 2026-2027 Special Project.
Marian Paxton, president of VFW Post 1033 in Covington, is the Department of Virginia’s chairman for the project. She can be reached at marianpaxton@gmail.com or 843-653-6098 with questions about the special project.
Donations to the special project can be made to the VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 920, Kansas City, MO 64111.
DNA from surviving family members is key to identifying missing loved ones. This technology did not exist when many of these service members were lost.
If you have information that could help locate a missing veteran, please reach out to Paxton, who can provide additional information. The contact number is different for each branch of service.
Thank you to the veterans and their families for the great sacrifices they have made for our country.
