Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, gives a speech during the Basic Combat Training graduation and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action ceremony, at Hilton Field, Sep. 20. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, first...

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, gives a speech during the Basic Combat Training graduation and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action ceremony, at Hilton Field, Sep. 20. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, first established in 1979, is an observance to honor and recognize the sacrifices of Americans who have been prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. Townsend shared that the BCT graduation is a great tribute to the remembrance of our POW/MIA, they (the Soldiers on the field) are the next generation who are picking up the torch and carrying forward, 'The call to serve in our Nation's defense.'