Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered flags flown on government property to fly at half-staff today, Friday, Sept. 16, in recognition of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
“I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Friday, September 16, 2022 and remain at half-staff until sunset,” Youngkin said in a statement.
A national day for POW/MIA first started in 1979. Families of Vietnam War servicemen were the catalyst responsible for successfully petitioning Congress for a National Day of Recognition, so today is often associated with the Vietnam War, but today is not meant to officially honor our troops from any one specific war, it’s for all.
Included in a lot of flag ceremonies today will be the POW/MIA flag, which has become a well-known symbol. Military.com explains the flag’s origin-
“In 1971, Mary Hoff contacted a flag company near her home to see whether a flag reminding people of POWs and the missing could be made. She was one of the many waiting to see whether her husband, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Hoff, would ever return home after his plane had been shot down over Laos.
World War II pilot Newt Heisley designed the now-famous flag, which was made in black and white to represent the sorrow, anxiety and hope symbolized by the image of the gaunt man featured on it.”
The governor’s order applies to all government properties. Private flag displays are encouraged to participate as well.
