National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day honors the brave soldiers who survived prison. They endured brutal treatment and separation from their families. The day recognizes their courage, endurance, and faith in God. On this day in 1942, a U.S. military force was captured by Japanese troops on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. The soldiers had been battling through extreme conditions and long battles. They were forced to march 65 miles to a prison camp, where they suffered from malnutrition and disease. Thousands of people died without water and medical attention. They were treated harshly and suffered in the jungle. The survivors had to endure horrible treatment for two years. Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been taken as prisoners of war. This number does not include those who are still missing or those who will never be recovered. Despite the harsh conditions, each prisoner of war endures much like the ones above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.  

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is observed annually on April 9.

In 1984, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) led a movement for an annual day recognizing Prisoners of War (POWs). Congress approved the legislation in 1988, proclaiming April 9th as National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day. This day recognizes the tragic number of captives taken prisoner on Bataan, in the Philippines, in 1942.