[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National 
Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day and honor those 
who were held captive and were returned, as well as those who remain 
missing.
  Established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, National POW/MIA 
Recognition Day is held yearly on the third Friday of September. This 
day is marked by ceremonies at the Pentagon and at military 
installations across the Nation. More than 81,000 American service 
personnel are missing from previous conflicts and approximately 38,000 
are believed to be recoverable. I commend the work of the Defense POW/
MIA Accounting Agency in searching for our missing Americans and 
ensuring that no service member is left behind.
  As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I work hard 
each year to ensure that the POW/MIA Accounting Agency has the 
necessary funding to continue their essential work. We have a duty to 
these service members that have endured unspeakable indignities to 
protect and preserve our freedoms. The United States cannot and will 
not abandon the search for those who gave their last full measure of 
devotion in overseas wars.
  I cannot express the depth of my gratitude for every patriot who have 
served our Nation. I will continue to use my role in Congress to bring 
every imprisoned or missing servicemember home. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me and all of our colleagues in the House of Representatives in 
commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

                          ____________________