ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10709ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10709

U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, 2024

This proclamation designates March 9, 2024, as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, as required by Public Law 118-31. It commemorates Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, highlights past administration efforts to secure releases, and calls for public observance through programs and ceremonies.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 18339

Impact dates

  1. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day observance and flag flying

Key directives

  • Proclaim March 9, 2024 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day
  • Fly Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at White House
  • Call upon people of the United States to observe with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities

Timeline

Immediate

  • Flag flown at White House on March 9, 2024
  • Public observance called for March 9, 2024

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Annual observance on March 9 each year per Public Law 118-31

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation references past policy actions (EO 2022, sanctions) but does not itself create new enforcement mechanisms
  • Annual designation from Congress limits presidential discretion on timing
Proclamation 10709: U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, 2024 · Executive Orders