How Should the POW Flag be Flown?
The Prisoner of War-Missing in Action (POW-MIA) flag, used to commemorate those lost or unaccounted for in U.S. wars, has its own code of flag etiquette, complementary to the general codes governing the flying of the U.S. flag. While flag etiquette is voluntarily observed and the United States Supreme Court has defended politically motivated modifications to the flag code as a form of free speech, following the established flag etiquette for the flying of the POW-MIA flag can be a meaningful way of showing support for soldiers lost in battle.
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Instructions
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Fly the POW-MIA flag directly below the US flag if both are flown on the same pole. Although military flag etiquette limits the number of flags on a single pole to two, if you wish to fly more flags on a pole, the POW-MIA flag should go above state or local flags.
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Confirm that the POW-MIA flag is no larger than the US flag if both are flying on the same pole or on side-by-side staffs.
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Place the POW-MIA flag to the left of the US flag if the two are flown side-by-side. Generally, the US flag should be flown to the right of other flags.
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Fly the POW-MIA flag on National POW/MIA Recognition Day (the third Friday in September), Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The POW-MIA flag, however, can be flown on any day for those wishing to commemorate US war casualties.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the flag you are flying is in good condition and has room to fly unobstructed.
Many veteran organizations are very sensitive to the proper flying of the POW-MIA flag. Be sure to observe proper flag etiquette if you do not wish to offend them.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pow mia and us flag image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
