USO Supporter,

It's a heartbreaking statistic: More than 80,000 Americans who served our country remain unaccounted for. These heroes never returned home — and their families never had a burial or the opportunity to say a final goodbye.

On this solemn National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have yet to return and hold their families in our hearts. We also renew our commitment to the promise that every hero will be brought home.

The black and white banner we raise today first served as tribute to those who fought in Vietnam but who remain missing or unaccounted for. Today, it is also a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance for all service members who haven’t returned home.

The POW/MIA flag was officially recognized by Congress in 1989, after the efforts of Mary Helen Hoff, who turned her grief into action. Her husband was Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael G. Hoff, who launched his Sidewinder A7A Corsair from the USS Coral Sea on Jan. 7, 1970.

His last radio transmission reported a fire warning. Moments later, Hoff's flight leader reported seeing his aircraft explode on impact. Hoff was declared MIA, and unfortunately, remains unaccounted for.

For the families who face this heartbreaking reality every day, let's stand with them until every hero is brought home. Please join us in taking time today to honor these extraordinary heroes and hold these families in your thoughts.

For the People Who Serve,

The USO

P.S. Days like today are the reason we do what we do at the USO: Support our service members and their families at every step of their military journey. A gift of $32 today can help support USO programs that strengthen military spouses and families.