WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) have introduced the Remembering American Hostages Act (H.R. 5772), bipartisan legislation requiring the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to be prominently displayed at federal buildings on key dates in recognition of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.
The measure would amend federal law to require the flag to be flown alongside the American flag at federal buildings, including U.S. embassies and consulates, State Department offices, Justice Department facilities, and passport locations across the country.
Key dates for display under the bill include Nov. 4 and Jan. 20, marking the beginning and end of the Iranian hostage crisis; Aug. 19, commemorating journalist James Foley, who was murdered by ISIS in 2014; and Oct. 7, honoring victims of Hamas’ 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, in which more than 240 individuals were taken hostage, including 12 Americans.
Additionally, the legislation encourages state and local governments, as well as airports nationwide, to fly the flag on those dates — and whenever an American hostage returns home or is recognized to have died in captivity.
“At its heart, this legislation is about remembrance, unity, and our unwavering support for Americans unjustly held abroad,” said Congressman Kean. “For the families of American hostages, like my constituent Sarah Moriarty, who have endured unimaginable hardship and loss of their loved ones, we stand with you. Flying the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s commitment to bring every American home and to never forget those who have suffered in captivity.”
Congressman Moskowitz added, “Each day we fly this flag is a reminder of those who have been unjustly taken hostage and a reminder to the world that America doesn’t forget its own. This bipartisan effort will ensure that the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag remains a visible symbol of our nation’s commitment to bring Americans home and to honor those who never made it back.”
Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, a fellow with the New America Future Security Program and daughter of Robert (Bob) Levinson — the longest-held American hostage in history — inspired the bill. Levinson was taken captive in Iran on March 9, 2007, and was presumed to have died in captivity, according to U.S. officials in March 2020.
“Flying the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag is an important way to raise awareness of the horrible epidemic Americans face of state and non-state hostage-taking when traveling abroad,” Moriarty said. “Thanks to Representatives Kean and Moskowitz, this expanded legislation will help ensure that more people see the flag flying across the country, see it more often, and take pause by checking the State Department’s travel advisories available online when traveling overseas.”
She continued, “Additionally, [the bill] is a key and welcome message of support and care for those who have come home from captivity, for those whose loved ones are still being held and those hostages currently experiencing this nightmare. You are seen and not forgotten by our great country.”
Moriarty has been a leading advocate for families of American hostages and those wrongfully detained overseas. Her advocacy helped establish March 9 as National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and the official designation of the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, which now flies above the White House, U.S. Capitol, and State Department each year on March 9, Flag Day, Independence Day, and whenever an American hostage returns home.
