What do you do with a POW MIA bracelet?

Worn to honor and increase awareness of POW/MIA soldiers. Traditionally, these bracelets were worn until the POW returned to the United States at which time the bracelet was presented to the former prisoner.

What year did POW bracelets come out?

1970
The bracelets were first created in May 1970 by a California student group called Voices in Vital America (VIVA), with the intention that American Prisoners Of War in Vietnam not be forgotten. The bracelets sold for $2.50 or $3.00.

How do I return a POW family bracelet?

If the bracelet belongs to a former prisoner of war that returned alive…… While they cannot disclose home address, telephone numbers, or email, they can forward mail. If you choose to make contact, SEAL your item/note/letter. Address that package to the name on your bracelet.

What does MIA and POW stand for?

By the end of the Vietnam War, more than 2,500 servicemembers were listed by the Department of Defense as Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA).

How many American soldiers are still missing in Vietnam?

Current Status of Unaccounted-for Americans Lost in the Vietnam War

Vietnam Total
Original Missing 1,973 2,646
Repatriated and Identified 729 1,062[1]
Remaining Missing 1,244 1,584

When should the POW flag be flown?

The POW/MIA flag will be flown beneath the flag of the United States on Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May; Memorial Day, the last Monday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; National POW/MIA Day; Veterans Day, November 11 and on occasions when the installation is hosting POW/MIA activities.

What can you do with old POW bracelets?

Broken or worn bracelets can be left at the WALL or a Memorial when replaced with a new one. A note and a POW decal with it can STILL focus attention on that man, even when left that way. Rather than return the bracelet BEFORE he is home, feel free to leave a message for the family at LOVELETTERS.

Are there still POWs in Vietnam?

As of 2015, more than 1,600 of those were still “unaccounted-for.” The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) of the U.S. Department of Defense lists 687 U.S. POWs as having returned alive from the Vietnam War. North Vietnam acknowledged that 55 American servicemen and 7 civilians died in captivity.

Is it OK to fly the POW MIA flag?

When to Fly the POW/MIA Flag Civilians are free to fly the POW/MIA flag whenever they wish, and it is commonly flown in front of police stations, fire stations and veterans’ organizations across the United States.

What do you put on a POW MIA bracelet?

Personalized Vietnam Memorial POW/MIA, Custom Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Vietnam Veteran Gifts . . Custom Military Memorial Bracelet – Personal Messages Bracelet – Freedom Kia Cuff – veteran bracelets – pow Mia bracelet. . . .

When did we start wearing missing in action bracelets?

In the 1970’s, we wore Prisoner of War, POW Bracelets and Missing in Action, MIA Bracelets bearing the name of a captured or lost soldier.

What did the Stars on the POW bracelets mean?

A blue star on a white background indicated the person was MIA. A white star on a blue background indicated the person was a POW.

Is there a bracelet for the Vietnam Memorial?

Personalized Vietnam Memorial POW/MIA, Custom Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Vietnam Veteran Gifts . . Custom Military Memorial Bracelet – Personal Messages Bracelet – Freedom Kia Cuff – veteran bracelets – pow Mia bracelet.