Hostage Remembrance Act Mandates Flag Display at All US Passport Offices and Embassies

The aptly named Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025 is all about making sure we don’t forget Americans held captive or wrongfully detained overseas. This isn't a bill about sanctions or rescue missions; it’s about public, permanent remembrance using one of the most visible tools we have: the flag.

The New Calendar of Remembrance

This bill updates federal law (Title 36) to mandate that the U.S. Flag and the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag be displayed on specific, historical dates related to American captives. It formalizes dates like November 4th and January 20th (marking the beginning and end of the Iran Hostage Crisis), August 19th (the date journalist James Foley died), and October 7th (the date of the Hamas attack where Americans were taken hostage).

What this means for the average person is that on these dates, when you see the flag flying at federal buildings, it will serve as a consistent, national reminder of these events. This permanent schedule ensures that the memory of these individuals is integrated into our national civic calendar, rather than fading over time.

Where You’ll See the Change

Section 2 of the Act significantly expands where these flags must be displayed. If you’ve ever had to renew your passport, you’ll notice the change. The bill mandates that the flag be flown at every single location in the U.S. where you can start, renew, or get a passport. This ensures high visibility at places where citizens are actively engaging with the federal government.

Beyond passport offices, the requirement extends to all U.S. State Department offices located within the country, and every U.S. embassy and consulate abroad. This is a clear logistical shift for the Department of State, which now has to ensure consistent flag protocols across its vast global network. While this is largely administrative, it ensures that America’s commitment to its detained citizens is visible to both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals visiting these diplomatic posts.

The Encouragement Factor

Section 3 contains what’s known as a “Sense of Congress,” which is essentially a strong recommendation rather than a binding law. Congress is urging the federal government—specifically the FAA Administrator—to partner with state governments, local municipalities, and airports to encourage them to fly the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag. Crucially, they want this flag flown not just on the fixed dates, but also when a hostage is finally released and returns home, or when a hostage is confirmed to have died in captivity.

This is the bill’s way of trying to create a flexible, nationwide moment of recognition for those specific, highly emotional events. While state and local governments aren't legally required to comply, the intent is to establish a unified, visible symbol of support and remembrance across the country, from your local city hall to the airport gate you fly into.