Members of Congress, Veterans, and Supporters Nationwide Join Together to Honor Over 81,000 POW/MIAs

Arlington, VA – September 20, 2024 – Tours of Duty, a nonprofit organization committed to the search and recovery of America’s Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) service members, will hold a powerful wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

This event, aimed at raising awareness for the more than 81,000 American heroes still missing from U.S. military conflicts, will be attended by Members of Congress, Senators, and their staff, showing a united front in honoring those who have yet to return home. Veterans, military families, and supporters from across the nation will also gather to pay their respects and recommit to the mission of recovery.

Additionally, a motorcycle procession led by riders from across the country will accompany the ceremony, demonstrating their dedication and support. These patriotic riders, many of whom are veterans themselves, will ride in solidarity to raise awareness for the estimated 38,000 recoverable POW/MIAs. The ride will symbolize the enduring spirit of the mission to bring all service members home.

The ceremony will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a hallowed symbol of America’s military sacrifice. Tours of Duty invites the public to attend, offering an opportunity for reflection and solidarity with the families who still await the return of their loved ones.

“By laying a wreath, we send a clear message: We have not forgotten those who have given everything for their country, and we will not rest until every hero is brought home,” said Amanda Rutledge, Founder and CEO of Tours of Duty. “We are deeply honored that members of Congress and supporters from all corners of the nation will be joining us in this momentous occasion.”

Tours of Duty is an emerging leader in the effort to recover missing U.S. service members, working with veterans, historians, forensic experts, and government agencies to bring long-awaited answers to the families of the fallen.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed on the third Friday of September, is a time for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and the ongoing efforts to recover those who are still missing.

Event Details:

· Date: Friday, September 20, 2024

· Time: 11:00 AM

· Location: Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

· Event: Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day

· Special Participants: Members of Congress, Senators, and Their Staff

· Motorcycle Procession: Riders from across the country will arrive in support of the cause

For more information about the event or to learn how to support Tours of Duty’s mission to recover America’s POW/MIAs, please visit www.toursofduty.org or contact p.slough@toursofduty.org.

About Tours of Duty

Tours of Duty is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the search and recovery of America’s Prisoners of War and Missing in Action service members. Leveraging the skills of veterans, historians, and forensic specialists, Tours of Duty works tirelessly to ensure no hero is left behind and that the sacrifice of America’s military is honored and remembered.