POW / MIA Patriot

The POW/MIA flag was created for the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia and officially recognized by the United States Congress in conjunction with the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue, “as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.”

The original design for the flag was created by Newt Heisley in 1972. The National League of Families then-national coordinator, POW wife Evelyn Grubb, oversaw its development and also campaigned to gain its widespread acceptance and use by the United States government and also local governments and civilian organizations across the United States.

In 1971, while the Vietnam War was still being fought, Mary Helen Hoff, the wife of a service member missing in action and member of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, recognized the need for a symbol of U.S. POW/MIAs, some of whom had been held captivity for as many as seven years.

The flag is black, and bears in the center, in black and white, the emblem of the league. The emblem was designed by Newton F. Heisley and features a white disk bearing in black silhouette the bust of a man (Jeffery Heisley), a watchtower with a guard on patrol, and a strand of barbed wire; above the disk are the white letters POW and MIA framing a white 5-pointed star; below the disk is a black and white wreath above the white motto: “You are not Forgotten.”

The POW/MIA was flown over the White House for the first time in September 1982. The flag has been altered many times; the colors have been switched from black with white – to red, white, and blue – to white with black; the POW/MIA has at times been revised to MIA/POW.

On March 9, 1989, a league flag that had flown over the White House on the 1988 National POW/MIA Recognition Day was installed in the U.S. Capitol rotunda as a result of legislation passed by the 100th Congress. The league’s POW-MIA flag is the only flag ever displayed in the rotunda, and the only one other than the Flag of the United States to have flown over the White House. The leadership of both houses of Congress hosted the installation ceremony in a demonstration of bipartisan congressional support.

On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, recognizing the National League of Families POW/MIA flag and designating it “as a symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.”

Dry-Fit Jersey Mesh Polo

The entire Proud Americans Who Serve Polo line is made with high-quality Jersey mesh polyester material to ensure you have a polo shirt that will be the same size and quality after numerous washes with colors that are unwavering in detail and resilience in color.

The Proud Americans Who Serve polo has unparalleled breathability for superior cooling. Jersey mesh technology ensures breathable comfort all day long. This technology locks in color; keeping the designs and colors crisp-making these polos a must-have fan favorite all season long.

The Proud Americans Who Serve Polos are made with flatlock stitching using 4 needles with 6 threads overlocking.

Polo Details:

165 gsm / 4.87-ounce, 100% Jersey mesh polyester (front, back, and side panels)
Moisture-wicking, eco-friendly, quick-dry material
Around the neck tag-free label
Flat knit collar
3-button placket with dyed-to-match black buttons
Set-in, open hem sleeves
The official Proud Americans Who Serve label inside the collar
Unisex
Packaged in individual polybags

Caring for your Proud Americans Who Serve Polo

Please adhere to these washing and drying instructions to ensure your shirt lasts for years to come.

• MACHINE WASH COLD
• WASH INSIDE OUT WITH LIKE COLORS
• DO NOT USE SOFTENERS
• REMOVE IMMEDIATELY
• DO NOT ALLOW TO LAY ON ITSELF WHEN WET
• DO NOT BLEACH
• COOL IRON
• DO NOT IRON DESIGN
• DO NOT DRY CLEAN
• TUMBLE DRY LOW