When Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2026?
National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2026 is Friday, September 18, 2026, the third Friday of September. One awareness-day source incorrectly lists the date as September 20; that is wrong. The correct date is September 18. Mark it now so your flag order arrives in time.
| Detail | 2026 Answer |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| Rule | Third Friday of September, every year |
| Federal mandate | Required at major federal facilities (Section 1082, 1998 Defense Authorization Act) |
| Private citizens | No restriction, fly it any day, year-round |
| Confusion to avoid | National Former POW Recognition Day is April 9, a separate observance |
Federal law requires the POW/MIA flag at major military installations, every VA Medical Center, national cemetery, post office, and over the U.S. Capitol on six designated days, this is one of them. The POW/MIA flag is the only flag besides the U.S. flag that Congress has authorized to fly over the Capitol. Private citizens and businesses face no legal limit; many fly it year-round as a permanent tribute.
Note: National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day is April 9, a completely separate observance honoring survivors of captivity. Do not confuse the two when ordering or scheduling.
What Size POW/MIA Flag Should You Buy?
Size the POW/MIA flag to your pole height, and never larger than your American flag. The standard rule: flag length equals roughly one-quarter to one-third of pole height.
| Pole Height | American Flag Size | POW/MIA Flag Size |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 3×5 ft | 3×5 ft (match) or 2×3 ft (one down) |
| 25 ft | 4×6 ft | 3×5 ft |
| 30–35 ft | 5×8 ft | 4×6 ft |
| House-mount bracket | 3×5 ft | 2×3 ft or 3×5 ft |
| Indoor / ceremonial | 3×5 ft fringed | 3×5 ft fringed |
3×5 ft is the right pick for most residential setups. It pairs with a standard 20-foot residential pole and most house-mount poles. If you are already flying a 3×5 American flag and want to add a second flag on the same halyard, size the POW/MIA flag at 3×5 to match, or drop to 2×3 if you want extra clearance between the two flags. Browse the full size range in the Military Flags collection.
Nylon vs. Polyester: Which Material Is Right for Your Setup?
Material is a practical decision based on your wind exposure, not just preference. Here is how to choose:
- Nylon: Lighter weight, flies in a light breeze, dries quickly, holds color well in moderate UV. Best for most residential yards and average wind zones. This is the all-around pick.
- 2-ply spun polyester: Heavier weave, more abrasion-resistant, built for high-wind coastal and exposed sites. Stays put in stronger gusts but needs more wind to unfurl fully.
- Indoor/ceremonial: A fringed flag on a pole sleeve, gold or white fringe, no grommets, for offices, VFW halls, and ceremony venues. Not for outdoor use.
If you are comparing materials for your American flag at the same time, see the Nylon American Flag (100% Made in USA) for the all-weather choice, or the 2-Ply Spun Polyester American Flag (100% Made in USA) for high-wind or coastal locations. Your POW/MIA flag should use the same material logic so both flags wear at a similar rate.
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided: Which Should You Buy?
Single-sided flags are the standard outdoor option: the image reads correctly from the front and appears reversed on the back. They are lighter, less expensive, and fly in lighter wind. Double-sided flags use two fabric layers sewn back-to-back so the design reads correctly from both sides, useful if your display location is viewed from both directions (a corner lot, a median, a stage). For a typical residential pole or bracket viewed primarily from the street, single-sided is the right choice and the better value.
Whichever you choose, look for these quality markers: sewn or appliqued emblem (not just screen-printed), reinforced canvas header, and rust-resistant brass grommets. Explore options in the Honor Flags collection.
How Do You Fly a POW/MIA Flag with an American Flag?
The POW/MIA flag always flies directly below the American flag, never above it and never larger. Here is the exact protocol for each setup:
Single Pole / One Halyard (Most Common Residential Setup)
- Attach your American flag to the top snap hooks on the halyard as normal.
- Add a second set of snap hooks on the halyard, positioned so the bottom of the American flag and the top of the POW/MIA flag are roughly 12 inches apart. This spacing prevents the flags from tangling and lets both fly freely.
- Attach the POW/MIA flag to the lower snap hooks.
- Raise the American flag to the peak; the POW/MIA flag rides below it on the same rope.
For the second set of snap hooks, the Flag Rings collection includes the right hardware. If tangling is an issue on your pole, read our guide on flag pole snap hooks, nylon vs. brass vs. stainless, swivel vs. fixed to pick the right type. For sizing guidance on adding a second flag to your pole, see What Size Second Flag for a Flagpole?
Two Separate Poles
- The American flag takes the position of honor, the pole to its own right (the viewer's left when facing it).
- The POW/MIA flag goes on the next pole to the American flag's left (viewer's right).
- The POW/MIA flag outranks state, municipal, and organizational flags. It goes immediately after the American flag in order of precedence.
- Both flags should be flown at the same height.
No Permanent Pole? Three Alternatives
- House-mount bracket: A two-bracket setup on your porch posts or siding lets you fly both flags without a ground pole. The Flagpole Brackets collection includes appropriate options.
- Freestanding indoor stand: A 3×5 fringed indoor POW/MIA flag on a floor stand works for office lobbies, VFW halls, and ceremony venues. See the Honor Flags collection for fringed indoor versions.
- Portable pole kit: The 5-Section 6 Ft Stainless Steel Flagpole Kit sets up without digging and works for ceremonies, events, or a temporary yard display for September 18.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Flying the POW/MIA flag higher than the American flag. It always flies below, same pole, same or smaller size, lower position.
- Skipping the second snap hook set. Without proper spacing hardware, the two flags will tangle and tear. Add a dedicated lower hook set before raising both flags.
- Ordering a 4×6 POW/MIA flag for a 20-foot pole. That size is too large for a standard residential pole and will overpower the American flag.
- Using an outdoor nylon flag indoors in a ceremony stand. Outdoor flags have grommets, not a pole sleeve. Buy a fringed indoor version for ceremony settings.
- Confusing September 18 with April 9. April 9 is National Former POW Recognition Day, a different observance. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 18, 2026.
- Assuming the September 20 date circulating online is correct. It is not. The third Friday of September 2026 is September 18.
- Buying an imported flag for a tribute display. For a Made-in-USA flag, verify construction and origin before purchasing. See our Made-in-the-USA Flag Buyer's Verification Checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2026?
Friday, September 18, 2026. The observance is always the third Friday of September. Some sites list September 20, that date is incorrect for 2026.
Does the POW/MIA flag fly above or below the American flag?
Always below. On a single pole it hangs directly under the American flag on the same halyard. It must also be the same size or smaller, never larger than the American flag above it.
What is the correct POW/MIA flag size for a residential 20-foot pole?
3×5 ft. This matches the most common residential American flag size. If you want extra clearance on the halyard or your American flag is 2×3, size the POW/MIA flag down to 2×3 as well.
Can private citizens fly the POW/MIA flag year-round?
Yes. Federal law mandates it at specific government facilities on six designated days (including September 18), but there is no restriction on private citizens. Many households fly it permanently as an ongoing tribute.
What is the difference between National POW/MIA Recognition Day and National Former POW Recognition Day?
They are two separate observances. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 18, honoring all who were captured or remain missing. National Former POW Recognition Day is April 9, specifically recognizing those who were held as prisoners of war and returned home.