Buying a POW/MIA Flag for Public Buildings
Choosing a flag for a school or town hall involves balancing local weather conditions with the need for a dignified, long-lasting appearance. While cheaper nylon options exist, they often shred quickly in the constant wind exposure found on municipal grounds. Investing in heavier, industrial-grade fabrics prevents the need for frequent, costly replacements and maintains the respectful aesthetic required for government property.
Quick facts
| Feature | Recommended Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Two-ply polyester | Resists high wind |
| Construction | Embroidered/Appliqué | Higher visibility |
| Size | 3x5 or 4x6 feet | Standard for 20-30' poles |
| Finish | Brass grommets | Secure attachment |
What are the official design specifications and color standards for the POW/MIA flag?
The official design, created by Newton Heisley, features a black field with a white silhouette of a prisoner of war in profile, a strand of barbed wire, and a watchtower, with the words "POW" and "MIA" flanking the emblem and "You Are Not Forgotten" below it.
- Color palette: The flag must utilize a stark black background with white imagery and lettering to maintain the high-contrast aesthetic mandated by the National League of POW/MIA Families.
- Graphic elements: The silhouette, barbed wire, and watchtower must be rendered in the specific proportions established by the original 1971 design.
- Text placement: The motto "You Are Not Forgotten" must be centered beneath the primary emblem in a clear, sans-serif typeface.
Which federal regulations govern the display of the POW/MIA flag on government property?
The display of the POW/MIA flag on federal property is governed by the National POW/MIA Flag Act of 2019, which requires the flag to be flown on specific days at designated locations such as the Capitol, the White House, and major federal buildings. Many people assume that the POW/MIA flag must always fly above the state flag, but the U.S. Flag Code actually dictates that it should be flown below the U.S. flag and, if displayed on the same halyard, below the state flag as well.
What is the proper order of precedence when flying the POW/MIA flag alongside the U.S. flag and state flags?
When displayed with other flags, the POW/MIA flag should be flown below the U.S. flag and, if applicable, below the state flag or other organizational banners on the same staff.
- Primary position: The U.S. flag always occupies the place of honor at the peak or the highest point of the flagpole.
- Secondary placement: The state flag follows the U.S. flag, positioned immediately beneath it on the same halyard.
- Tertiary level: The POW/MIA flag is placed below the state flag, ensuring it remains visible without violating the established hierarchy of national and state symbols.
Are there specific requirements for the material and durability of flags intended for outdoor municipal use?
Yes, while federal law does not mandate specific material compositions for municipal flags, institutional standards dictate using industrial-grade, two-ply polyester. This material is designed to withstand the 30-40 mile-per-hour wind gusts common in open town squares, preventing the rapid shredding seen in cheaper, lightweight nylon alternatives.
How does the U.S. Flag Code dictate the protocol for flying the POW/MIA flag at half-staff?
When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, the POW/MIA flag should also be flown at half-staff if it is displayed on the same halyard. In practice, this means the POW/MIA flag is lowered to the same relative position as the national flag, maintaining the visual integrity of the display. For instance, if a town hall lowers its U.S. flag to half-staff to honor a fallen service member, the POW/MIA flag must be lowered simultaneously to show equal respect.
A notable nuance exists when these flags are on separate poles. If the POW/MIA flag is on a separate flagpole, it is not strictly required to be lowered to half-staff unless the specific local or state policy mandates it. However, many institutions choose to lower all flags in unison to make sure a consistent and respectful appearance across the municipal grounds.
What are the differences between screen-printed and embroidered POW/MIA flags regarding longevity and visibility?
Embroidered flags offer superior longevity because the stitching resists fraying better than screen-printed ink, which often fades or cracks after 6 months of sun exposure. While screen-printed versions provide higher initial detail, the thread-based construction of an embroidered flag maintains its visual integrity throughout its entire service life.
Are there specific holidays or observances when the display of the POW/MIA flag is mandatory for public institutions?
Federal law mandates the display of the POW/MIA flag on six specific days: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day. On these dates, public institutions are required to fly the flag to honor those who have served and those still missing in action. For example, on the third Friday in September, which is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the flag serves as the focal point of institutional remembrance.
An exception to this protocol occurs if the flag is displayed in a manner that would be considered disrespectful or if the physical condition of the flag has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer suitable for public display. In such instances, the institution should refrain from flying the flag until a replacement is available, as displaying a tattered or faded flag is contrary to the intent of the observance.
What are the recommended dimensions for a POW/MIA flag based on the size of the flagpole being used?
The size of your POW/MIA flag should be proportional to your flagpole height to make sure it neither looks undersized nor creates excessive wind resistance.
| Pole Height | Recommended Flag Size |
|---|---|
| 15-20 feet | 3x5 feet |
| 25-30 feet | 4x6 feet |
| 35-40 feet | 5x8 feet |
| 50+ feet | 6x10 feet |
Match your pole height to the closest row in the table to maintain the standard 1:4 or 1:5 ratio between flag length and pole height.
Common mistakes
- Buying lightweight nylon. These flags tear easily in high winds and look tattered within months; stick to two-ply polyester for outdoor longevity.
- Ignoring the flagpole height. A flag that is too small looks lost, while one that is too large puts excessive stress on the halyard and pole.
- Neglecting the fly end. Flags often fail at the outer edge first; choose a flag with reinforced stitching on the fly end to extend its life.
Maintaining Your Flag’s Appearance
Inspect your flag monthly for signs of fraying or fading to make sure it remains in a condition suitable for public display. Replacing a damaged flag promptly shows respect for the veterans it honors and upholds the standards of your institution.