National Pow/Mia Flag Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his leadership on this issue. I also want to thank Congressman Pappas for his introduction of an identical bill in the House.

Many Americans may not be aware that more than 82,000 Americans are listed as prisoners of war, missing in action, or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of engagement in military conflicts. Displaying the POW/MIA flag alongside the American flag invites everyone to reflect on that somber number and appreciate the sacrifices people have made for the freest country on the planet.

S. 693 would require the POW/MIA flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on Federal properties, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery and major military installation as designated by the Secretary of Defense, and every U.S. post office.

I look forward to passage of this bipartisan bill and to seeing the POW/MIA flag fly along with the Stars and Stripes to remind us that freedom comes at a cost and we owe more than we know to the brave men and women who gave their lives and their liberty for their fellow Americans.

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Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, again, I commend those who have pursued the introduction and passage of this important legislation. And along with the comments of my colleague from New Hampshire, ``they will never be forgotten,'' we will continue to fly the POW/MIA flag alongside the American flag.

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