What is National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day?
On April 9th, the brave men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors are recognized on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. They've also suffered separation from family and displayed incredible patience and faith during their captivity, as a result.
In 1942, the largest number of US Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines on this day. The captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp after being exposed to extreme weather and prolonged wars. Thousands of people died without medical care, food, or water. For those who survived the difficult journey, the mistreatment continued. For those who could survive, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years in the compounds, deep in the undiscovered jungle, deep in the unknown jungle.
Over half a million service members have been arrested since the Revolutionary War. This number does not represent those who were lost or never recovered. However, each POW suffers conditions much like those listed above. These heroes deserving of a day of esteem.
