Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) is introducing bipartisan legislation with Representative Tom Kean (R-NJ) to expand the display of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag on federal property and the dates on which it is flown.
This flag is not displayed often, but bears a resemblance to the more well-known Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag.
Like the POW/MIA flag, it is black, but with yellow as its secondary color instead of white, which the Department of State explains as yellow being the color associated with the safe return of the American hostages in Iran in 1979.
The flag features four abstract faces in profile and two rows of slightly uneven tally marks meant to invoke someone writing or scratching days passed on the walls of a prison cell. Underneath the faces is the phrase "Bring Them Home."
Currently, the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag is displayed on U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (March 9), Flag Day (June 14), and the 4th of July, as well as any day on which a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States returns to the United States from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad; or dies while being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.
Rep. Moskowitz's bill expands the number of days this flag is displayed: January 20 and November 4 for the Iranian hostage crisis, August 19 in remembrance of journalist James Foley's death at the hands of ISIS, and finally, October 7th, when Hamas took more than 240 people hostage, including 12 Americans, during their horrific attack on Israel.
"Each day we fly this flag is a reminder of those who have been unjustly taken hostage and a reminder to the world that America doesn't forget its own," the Florida Congressman said in a press release. "This bipartisan effort will ensure that the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag remains a visible symbol of our nation's commitment to bring Americans home and to honor those who never made it back."
Similarly, Rep. Kean commented that "at its heart, this legislation is about remembrance, unity, and our unwavering support for Americans unjustly held abroad."
"For the families of American hostages, like my constituent Sarah Moriarty, who have endured unimaginable hardship and loss of their loved ones, we stand with you," Rep. Kean continued. "Flying the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is a powerful symbol of our nation's commitment to bring every American home and to never forget those who have suffered in captivity."
