New Law Honors Americans Held Overseas
Washington — The U.S. commemorated its inaugural National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day on Saturday, established through bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden. The Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act, championed by Reps. Haley Stevens, French Hill, and Sen. Chris Coons, designates March 9 as a day to remember Americans unjustly held abroad.
Flag Raising Ceremony at State Department
The legislation also introduced a special national flag symbolizing wrongfully detained Americans and hostages. This black and yellow flag, reminiscent of the POW/MIA flag, was hoisted outside the State Department for the first time on Friday morning. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell announced that the flag will be raised annually on March 9, as well as when a hostage returns home or passes away.
Families Advocate for Hostages’ Release
Families of wrongfully detained individuals, including those held in countries like China and Iran, have been tirelessly advocating for their loved ones’ release. Grassroots organization Bring Our Families Home has been staging protests to push for meetings with the President and more significant actions by the administration to bring hostages back home.
Progress Made, Challenges Remain
While progress has been noted, challenges persist in resolving cases of American hostages held abroad, such as those in China and Russia. The efforts to secure the safe return of hostages have showcased the resilience and determination of families seeking justice and reunion with their loved ones.
Reporting by Margaret Brennan and Andrew Bast.