Prisoners of war and those missing in action honored at Pinellas County ceremony

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was commemorated on September 19, 2024, with a solemn ceremony at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in Pinellas County, Florida, honoring those who have been prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The event highlighted the significant issue of nearly 1,600 Americans who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, as detailed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Veteran David Miller, who has participated in the ceremony for decades, expressed his deep personal connection to the cause, remembering friends who were prisoners of war and those still missing. To honor their sacrifices, he set up a missing man table, which is adorned with symbolic items representing the fallen and the families left behind. The salt on the plate signifies the tears shed by families, while the lemon symbolizes the bitterness of their absence.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, underscoring the importance of remembering those who have served and suffered. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of war on veterans and their families, fostering community awareness and appreciation for their sacrifices. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the legacies of those who have endured captivity and the continuing search for those still missing.