ELK GROVE, Calif — Friday is national Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day.
More than 80,000 American service personnel remain missing from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, Gulf wars and the war in Afghanistan combined.
Some prisoners of war were taken captive and never returned home. Other service members are still missing in action, meaning their status is unaccounted for.
But the Department of Defense has identified and accounted for 863 Americans since 2019, including 146 so far this year. They continue to navigate the lengthy and often complex process of bringing these service members home.
Mike Retzlaff, a retired Air Force veteran, says it's important to keep their memories alive, and to continue searching for answers for their families.
“It’s our job as veterans to educate the public that there are still people out there, people living in foreign land not of their own choosing,” Retzlaff said. “We have to recognize those for putting up for as long as they have in the conditions. They are still representing our country, red, white and blue all the way through.”
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring September 20 as California POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Elk Grove's VFW Post #2073 is hosting this year's ceremony Saturday morning. At tomorrow's event, you can expect music, speeches and special tables like these, honoring missing soldiers and sailors who cannot be home to join family for a meal.
On the tables are several different items, symbolizing the love, strength and hope felt for the missing loved ones.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event in Elk Grove. It starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Elk Grove Veteran Center in District 56.
Remember, if a veteran you know needs help, their local veterans of foreign wars or American Legion can help veterans with support, like filing for disability claims or emotional support. The VFW said there are 300 documented homeless veterans on the American River.
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