Rules on Displaying the POW Flag

• The POW/MIA flag has its own protocol. Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

  The POW/MIA flag symbolizes the country's respect and honor for those United States armed forces members who were reported as missing in action or who were captured and held as prisoners of war. The POW/MIA flag was designed and manufactured in 1970 by Anin and Company. The company intentionally did not file for a patent on the flag design so that any other flag manufacturer could legally reproduce it.

New Rules

• The General Services Administration's Office of Governmentwide Policy published an updated bulletin regarding the rules on the display of the POW/MIA flag. The new rules became effective on June 10, 2008. The new rules were sent to the heads of all Federal agencies. The bulletin outlines the proper time, place and manner of display for the POW/MIA flag.

Federal Buildings

• The new rules require that the POW/MIA flag be displayed on designated days, at the White House, U.S. Capitol building, veterans memorials and all national cemeteries. The rule also applies to the official offices of the secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, State and the director of the Selective Service System. The flag must also be flown at every post office, major military installation and medical facility operated under the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When Displayed

• The POW/MIA flag is required to be displayed on six days. The days the flag is flown include Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Armed Forces Day. The flag is also displayed on National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The flag is displayed at the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials whenever the United States Flag is on display. Medical centers operated under the Department of Veterans Affairs are required to fly the POW/MIA flag whenever the flag of the United States is on display.

Protocol

• When the POW/MIA flag is displayed on the same pole as the United States flag it should be placed just below the national flag. The POW/MIA flag should be the same size or one dimension smaller than the national flag. When displayed on separate poles the POW/MIA flag should be placed on the right of the national flag, as you face the building. Traditionally, the flag has been flown on the same pole as the United States flag, just below it.

Half-Staff

• The POW/MIA flag is lowered to half-staff along with the flag of the United States on four designated days. The POW/MIA flag is flown at half-staff on Pearl Harbor Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patriots Day and Memorial Day.