On September 19, 2025, the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail joins the nation in observing National POW/MIA Recognition Day—a solemn occasion to remember American prisoners of war and those still missing.
Anchored by the National Prisoner of War Museum in Andersonville, this day of remembrance enables us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those held in captivity across all conflicts. The site’s exhibits – art, photographs, oral histories, video – highlight the hardship, survival, and loss endured by America’s POWs.
Trail partners across Georgia preserve varied and powerful stories of captivity. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler features a dedicated Prisoner of War exhibit that includes a recreation of an Eighth Air Force POW compound, artifacts donated by former POWs, and “safe house” and camp-scenes.
Meanwhile, the National Infantry Museum in Columbus also incorporates POW-related material in its WWII galleries. The “World at War” gallery includes a “POW Flag” display, part of its broader narrative of World War II. Additionally, the museum holds the Col. Ray O’Day collection—items he made while a POW in Japan during WWII (tools, clothing, personal effects from makeshift materials), though some of this material is in rotation or archived.
Ed Coleman, Chair of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, reflected: “On this day we pause to honor the resilience, sacrifice, and courage of Americans who faced captivity and those who remain missing. Their stories are essential to our nation’s memory, and the Heritage Trail is committed to ensuring they are never forgotten.”
Along with Andersonville, Mighty Eighth, and the National Infantry Museum, all Trail partners join together to commemorate and keep alive these memories. As the nation moves forward, remembering remains a duty.