POW Flag Etiquette

The American and POW flags

Conceived by the wife of a military officer listed as missing in action, and designed by a former World War II pilot, the stark, black and white image of a prisoner of war dominates the American POW/MIA flag.

History

Spurred on by public sentiment after the Vietnam War, the U.S. Congress mandated the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and ordered the POW/MIA flag to be prominently displayed by government and military facilities on this day of remembrance. The legislation also demands display of the banner on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

Holidays

On those six days of designated national observance, the POW/MIA flag should be displayed below or adjacent to the U.S. flag, second in prominence to the Stars and Stripes. All Veterans Administration medical centers are to display the POW/MIA flag at any time the U.S. flag is flown.

Etiquette

When the POW/MIA flag and the U.S. flag are displayed on the same pole, the POW flag should be smaller than--or the same size as--the U.S. flag, and fly directly below the Stars and Stripes. "If on separate poles, the U.S. flag should always be placed to the right of other flags," instructs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

References

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The POW/MIA Flag