Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering promise to bring home missing service members at a National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony held at the Pentagon.
In his speech, Austin emphasized the U.S. military’s solemn duty to never leave a fallen comrade behind, a creed deeply rooted in American military values. This commitment, he said, extends to every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine lost in conflicts around the world.
Honoring the Missing: A Sacred Duty
Speaking to an audience of military personnel, veterans, and families of the missing, Austin shared the depth of the Defense Department’s dedication to recovering and identifying the remains of those who never made it home.
Over the past year alone, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) successfully identified 111 service members from World War II, 28 from the Korean War, and four from the Vietnam War.
These numbers represent more than just statistics—they reflect the fulfillment of a sacred duty.
The DPAA, a government agency tasked with recovering missing service members, works in partnership with diplomats and officials from 46 nations.
This collaboration is essential for gaining access to remote battle sites, many of which are located in countries that were former war zones. Austin made it clear: this mission is a global effort and a labor of love.
Recent Achievements of the DPAA:
- Identified remains of 143 service members across multiple wars in the last year.
- Engaged in international cooperation with 46 countries to recover remains.
Austin’s visit to the DPAA laboratory in Hawaii during his first month as Secretary of Defense gave him firsthand insight into the challenging work undertaken by anthropologists and archaeologists who use advanced forensic techniques to identify remains.
He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of this painstaking work, describing it as “a labor of love and a sacred calling.”
Commitment to Families
Austin’s speech also paid tribute to the families who have waited years, sometimes decades, for closure.
“You have endured terrible uncertainty, lived with terrible absence, and suffered terrible grief,”
Austin said, addressing the families directly.
He emphasized that the U.S. government will never give up on its mission to bring these heroes home, providing hope to those who continue to wait.
General CQ Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed Austin’s sentiments. He highlighted the sacrifice made by both the missing service members and their families, stating that their legacy lives on
“in the hearts of their families, their fellow service members, and the very fabric of our nation.”
U.S. Military Ethos:
- Never leave a fallen comrade behind.
- Honor the sacrifice of service members and their families.
A National Responsibility
As Austin looked out from his office window at the Pentagon, he reflected on the meaning of the POW/MIA flag that flies proudly on military installations across the country. “You are not forgotten” is not just a motto—it is a promise.
This symbolic flag represents the continued national commitment to those who remain unaccounted for.
In closing, Austin’s remarks underscored the U.S. military’s ironclad commitment to finding and identifying every missing service member, ensuring their families receive the closure they deserve.
This enduring promise reflects a deep-seated American value: to honor those who serve and sacrifice for the nation. And as Austin reminded the nation, this is a promise that will never be broken.
Conflict |
Service Members Identified (Last Year) |
|---|---|
| World War II | 111 |
| Korean War | 28 |
| Vietnam War | 4 |
The United States will continue to fulfill its duty to recover those who made the ultimate sacrifice, reaffirming that the bond between the military and its service members extends far beyond the battlefield.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
