Hoyer Statement on POW/MIA Recognition Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement on POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is observed on the third Friday in September:

“Tomorrow, America marks POW/MIA Recognition Day: a day to keep faith with all those who bravely served our country in war and remain unaccounted for, whether as Prisoners of War or as Missing in Action. As we rededicate ourselves to the effort to account for each one, I hope that Americans will join in sympathy with every family still missing a loved one. The burden on all military families is a heavy one—but the burden on POW/MIA families is extraordinary.

“As we keep them in our thoughts, may we also take POW/MIA Recognition Day as an opportunity to honor every veteran who has honorably served our nation. Our obligations to returning veterans include outstanding medical care and a chance for higher education. Congress has worked hard to live up to that obligation by strongly investing in veterans’ health care; expanding mental health screening and treatment, as well as treatment for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury; and passing a 21st Century GI Bill to help returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan earn a college degree. As we honor the sacrifices of our veterans and our families, let us remember that keeping faith with them—including those who have not returned—is a lifelong mission.”

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