Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney Host the Department of War National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney will host the Department of War National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. on the Pentagon River Terrace Parade Field. The ceremony will honor those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain unaccounted for from past conflicts.

This event is open press, except for TV/video coverage, which will be pooled. Journalists must undergo security screening and obtain a wristband at the base of the River Entrance Pedestrian Bridge. Journalists arriving via Metro must walk around to the River Entrance. Security screening will begin at 8:30 a.m. and close promptly at 9:00 a.m. Journalists must have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must RSVP by 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. Please email Pentagon Press Operations at [email protected] with the journalist's name, outlet, email address and phone number.

You will receive a follow-up confirming whether your request has been accepted or whether additional information is required. Please ensure you have received confirmation before arriving.

Please call 703-697-5131 with any questions.