Saint Paul – In observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the official POW/MIA flags will be honored and highlighted in flag arrangements on the Capitol Complex this Friday. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed every year on the third Friday of September and exists to acknowledge the families of military members who became prisoners of war or missing in action during their service in the Vietnam War. This day also symbolizes the resolve of Americans to never forget the men and women who gave up their freedom to protect our nation.

The 1998 Defense Authorization Act mandates that on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day, the POW/MIA flag is to be flown immediately below or adjacent to the United States flag over the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Korean and Vietnam Veterans War Memorials, the offices of Secretary of State and Director of the Selective Service System, Defense and Veteran’s Affairs buildings, major military installations, post offices, and all Department of Veteran Affairs medical centers and national cemeteries. All public entities and the private sector are encouraged to observe this protocol as well.

The POW/MIA flag will be flown directly under the U.S. flag at the Minnesota State Capitol building and to the left of the U.S. flag at the Minnesota Senate and Centennial Office buildings, swapping places with the Minnesota flag for the day as the flag in the second order of precedence.

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For additional information, contact:
Julie Nelsen, Information Officer
(651) 201-2565
Julie.J.Nelsen@state.mn.us