Prisoner Of War Flag

Introduction to the Prisoner of War Flag

The Prisoner of War (POW) flag, also known as the POW/MIA flag, is a symbol of the United States’ commitment to remembering and honoring those who have been taken as prisoners of war or are missing in action. The flag is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members and their families. The design of the flag features a black and white image of a prisoner of war on a white background, with a watchtower and a strand of barbed wire in the background. The flag is typically flown below the American flag as a sign of respect and solidarity with those who have been held captive or are still missing.

History of the POW Flag

The idea of creating a flag to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action was first proposed in the late 1960s, during the Vietnam War. The flag was designed by Newt Heisley, a former World War II pilot who was held as a prisoner of war in Germany. Heisley’s design featured a silhouette of a prisoner of war on a white background, with a watchtower and barbed wire in the background. The flag was officially adopted by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia in 1972. Today, the POW flag is flown at government buildings, military installations, and other locations across the United States.

Significance of the POW Flag

The POW flag is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members and their families. The flag serves as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to remembering and honoring those who have been taken as prisoners of war or are missing in action. The flag is also a reminder of the importance of accounting for all American service members who have been held captive or are still missing. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, there are still over 82,000 American service members who are missing in action from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.

Protocol for Flying the POW Flag

The POW flag is typically flown below the American flag as a sign of respect and solidarity with those who have been held captive or are still missing. The flag is usually flown at government buildings, military installations, and other locations across the United States. The protocol for flying the POW flag is as follows: * The POW flag should be flown below the American flag. * The POW flag should be flown on the same halyard as the American flag, but below it. * The POW flag should be flown at all government buildings, military installations, and other locations where the American flag is flown. * The POW flag should be flown on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which is observed on the third Friday of September each year.

Design and Symbolism of the POW Flag

The design of the POW flag features a black and white image of a prisoner of war on a white background, with a watchtower and a strand of barbed wire in the background. The image is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members who have been held captive. The watchtower and barbed wire symbolize the harsh conditions faced by prisoners of war, while the prisoner of war image serves as a reminder of the importance of accounting for all American service members who have been held captive or are still missing. The flag’s design is simple yet powerful, making it a poignant reminder of the nation’s commitment to remembering and honoring those who have been taken as prisoners of war or are missing in action.

Element	Symbolism
Prisoner of War Image	Reminds us of the sacrifices made by American service members who have been held captive
Watchtower	Symbolizes the harsh conditions faced by prisoners of war
Barbed Wire	Represents the imprisonment and captivity of American service members

🚨 Note: The POW flag is an important symbol of the nation's commitment to remembering and honoring those who have been taken as prisoners of war or are missing in action. It is essential to treat the flag with respect and dignity, and to follow the proper protocol for flying the flag.

The Prisoner of War flag is a powerful symbol of the United States’ commitment to remembering and honoring those who have been taken as prisoners of war or are missing in action. The flag’s design and symbolism serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members and their families. By flying the POW flag, we can show our respect and solidarity with those who have been held captive or are still missing, and honor the nation’s commitment to accounting for all American service members who have been held captive or are still missing.

In the end, the POW flag serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. By continuing to fly the POW flag and observing National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we can ensure that the sacrifices of American service members and their families are never forgotten.