United States observances include Constitution Day and POW/MIA Recognition Day

September marks several significant observances in the United States. Constitution Day, observed on September 17, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, a document that established the federal government framework and guaranteed citizen rights.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September to honor prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The Veterans Memorial Park of America hosts an annual ceremony, including a Table Ceremony, to remember the 80,732 individuals still missing from conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars.

Additionally, September 27 is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day. This tradition honors families who have lost loved ones in active military service. The observance was formalized by Congress in 1936 to recognize the sacrifices made by these families.