The Senate Education Committee approved on Mar. 23 legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick to require that the POW/MIA flag be displayed at any public school in Pennsylvania where the American flag is already flown, as long as the school can reasonably accommodate it.
The measure seeks to honor and recognize members of the Armed Forces who are prisoners of war or missing in action. Supporters say displaying the POW/MIA flag will help schools support military families and educate students about service.
“The POW/MIA flag is a powerful symbol recognizing and honoring the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action,” Pennycuick said. “Our proposal amends the Commonwealth’s Public-School Code, which already outlines requirements regarding the display of the American flag, to also provide for the display of the POW/MIA flag whenever the U.S. flag is flown and space permits. In doing so, we reinforce the importance of remembering those who served and highlight our shared responsibility to recognize their contributions and the sacrifices of their families.”
Pennycuick has a background in public service through her military career and roles on veteran boards, contributing to community support for veterans and law enforcement, according to the official website. She served for 26 years in both active duty and reserves with assignments including Desert Shield/Desert Storm before retiring as a lieutenant colonel according to her official biography. Pennycuick began her military career by enlisting as a combat medic before pursuing further education at University of Missouri-Columbia according to her official website, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1987 according to her official biography.
She was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after previously serving in the General Assembly according to her official biography. Pennycuick lives with her husband, also an Army veteran, along with their four grown children and two grandchildren as reported by her official website.
If enacted into law, supporters say this measure would strengthen recognition for those still unaccounted for from past conflicts while promoting awareness among students.