POW-MIA flag will fly at Capitol

The National League of Families’ Prisoner of War and Missing in Action (POW-MIA) flag will now be flown with the U.S. and Hawaii state flags at the state capitol and on the grounds of the headquarters of the state department of defense on certain holidays.

House Bill 2383 HD1 SD2, introduced by Representative Sharon Har (District 40 – Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa), was signed into law as Act 040 on April 20, 2010, becoming law upon approval.

The bill’s intent is to recognize and honor the extraordinary heroism of the brave men and women who risked or sacrificed their lives or their freedom in the past, as well as those who place their lives in harm’s way on a daily basis in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The flag will be flown on Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May); Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Flag Day (June 14); Independence Day (July 4); National POW-MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September); and Veterans Day (November 11).

On any other days, the POW-MIA flag may be flown. At any time, if the U.S. and Hawaii state flags are flown on the same halyard, then the POW-MIA flag must be flown under the Hawaii state flag. If they are on separate halyards, the POW-MIA flag must be flown under the U.S. flag.

"I strongly believe that flying the POW-MIA flag at the state capitol and state department of defense headquarters on these holidays will demonstrate to our veterans, active military members and military families our appreciation for their sacrifices," said Rep. Har. "As the POW-MIA flag itself states, 'You are not forgotten,' and the display of this flag serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by our veterans and military in defense of our freedom."