Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day recognized last week

Former POW Recognition Day, remembered on April 9, is a day that might not be as well-known as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, however, it is just as important.

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is a day to honor captured wartime service members who eventually came home. It is observed annually on April 9, and commemorates the surrender of between 60,000 and 80,000 US and Filipino service members to the Imperial Japanese army at the Bataan Peninsula, Philippines in 1942.

The initial day of recognition was created by joint resolution during the 100th Congress, and was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on April 8, 1987. A later joint resolution designated April 9, 1988 and April 9, 1989 as days of recognition, which President Reagan signed into law on March 28, 1988.

The law requires that the sitting president issue an annual proclamation regarding observance of the day.

“On this day, we honor the more than half a million brave patriots who sacrificed their freedom as prisoners of war — risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans. We recommit to fulfilling our country’s one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip those we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their families when they return home and when they do not,” wrote President Joe Biden in his proclamation this year. “I call upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all former prisoners of war as our Nation expresses its eternal gratitude for their service.”

Here in Alaska, Governor Mike Dunleavy also expressed his gratitude and honored the courage, sacrifice, and devotion of those military members captured by Japanese troops during World War II’s Battle of Bataan in the Philippines.

“Our soldiers faced the horrors of imprisonment during what is now known as the Bataan Death March yet displayed unwavering strength and resolve throughout their captivity; therefore, April 9 is set aside to recognize those taken as prisoners of war and honor their service and devotion to our country.” Governor Dunleavy reiterated that they deserve the country’s utmost respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.

“With determination and bravery, former Prisoners of War, their fallen and missing comrades, and their families have demonstrated the true, unbreakable spirit of our Nation, and they will never be forgotten; we honor the courage, perseverance, and patriotism of Prisoners of War and recognize that their sacrifice was great and extended to their families and friends who also endured agonizing uncertainty and grief.”