REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution authorizing display of the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day
Report
BACKGROUND
At a City Council meeting held on December 3, 2019, Council adopted Council Policy 7.3.30 (Display of Ceremonial and/or Commemorative Flags at City Hall). At the meeting, it was further requested that staff return with a resolution for Council consideration for approval to fly the POW/MIA flag.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.30 (Display of Ceremonial and/or Commemorative Flags at City Hall)
Administrative Policy 6.2 (Display of Flags at City Buildings)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The POW/MIA flag has existed since approximately 1970, when Mrs. Michael Hoff, an MIA wife and member of the National League of POW/MIA Families, recognized the need for a symbol of POW/MIAs. Following the approval of the League's Board of Directors in 1972, POW/MIA flags were manufactured for distribution. Wanting the widest possible dissemination and use of this symbol to advocate for improved treatment for and answers on American POW/MIAs, the group did not seek copyright or trademark protection and as a result, widespread use of the League's POW/MIA flag is not restricted legally.
There is a long history of federal legislation related to display of the POW/MIA flag. It was flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day 1988, and was subsequently installed in the US Capitol Rotunda on March 9, 1989 as a result of legislation passed overwhelmingly on a bipartisan basis during the 100th...
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