Boston - Governor Healey has ordered the United States of America flag and Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Friday, September 20, 2024 in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This marks the first time that Massachusetts will lower its flag under the recently passed HERO Act, which honors U.S. service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

“Lowering the Massachusetts flag serves as a powerful reminder that we honor the bravery and sacrifice of service members who are unaccounted for, and that we stand in solidarity with their loved ones,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration was proud to sign the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans' legislation in state history, and the lowering of the flag for POW-MIA Recognition Day is one of the important ways that this bill honors our veterans and their families.”

“This day stands as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of so many service members and their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By lowering our state flag, we send a clear message that Massachusetts will always honor their service and the debt we owe them.”

The HERO Act, signed into law in August 2024 as the most comprehensive veteran's legislation passed in Massachusetts history, mandates that the state formally observe POW/MIA Recognition Day by lowering the Massachusetts flag. The Act highlights the importance of both the state and national flags in honoring those who served.

“This act is more than a symbolic gesture. It reinforces our state’s commitment to never forget the thousands who remain missing in action and to support their families,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “This is an important step in ensuring that their service is remembered and respected every year.”

The POW/MIA flag, created in 1971 by the wife of a missing U.S. military officer serving in Vietnam and designed by a World War II pilot, symbolizes the nation’s commitment to remembering those whose fates remain unknown. Congress first proclaimed National POW/MIA Recognition Day in 1979, and in 1990, passed legislation requiring the flag’s prominent display on this day.