Future Security Program Fellow Sarah Moriarty wrote on the evolution of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, and its role in promoting awareness of hostage issues for Vexillum, the North American Vexillological Association’s magazine focused on the history and study of flags.
While the American flag has always stood strong as a symbol of freedom, this new Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag further sends the powerful message of our great nation’s commitment to protecting that freedom for every single American.
The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag is a relatively new flag created to raise awareness and solidarity for Americans who are being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.
🏴 Key Facts:
- Name: Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag
- Unveiled: July 20, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
- Purpose: To honor, support, and advocate for Americans who are unjustly imprisoned or held hostage in foreign countries.
- Designer: Commissioned by the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, named after journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS in 2014.
🧵 Design Description:
- Color scheme:
- Predominantly black and white, symbolizing loss and solemnity.
- It evokes the POW/MIA flag (Prisoners of War / Missing in Action).
- Central image:
- A candle with a flickering flame, often interpreted as the light of hope and resilience.
- Text:
- Usually includes the words “Bring Them Home” or similar advocacy messaging, depending on the variant.
🕊️ Symbolism:
- The candle flame represents hope, remembrance, and ongoing efforts to bring detainees home.
- The flag aims to build public awareness, encourage government action, and show solidarity with affected families.
📜 Legislative and Government Use:
- The Biden administration has supported visibility efforts around wrongful detentions.
- There have been calls to fly the flag at government buildings (similar to the POW/MIA flag) to mark awareness days like National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on March 9 (honoring the anniversary of Paul Rusesabagina’s release from Rwanda).
