BOSTON (WWLP)-- In honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag will be flown at half-staff on Friday. The Massachusetts legislature passed the HERO Act, which was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in August. The bill has several edicts for publicly recognizing veterans including requiring flags to be flown at half-staff to honor U.S. service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action. WWII soldier identified to be buried in Agawam “Lowering the Massachusetts flag serves as a powerful reminder that we honor the bravery and sacrifice of service members who are unaccounted for, and that we stand in solidarity with their loved ones,” said Governor Healey. “Our administration was proud to sign the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans' legislation in state history, and the lowering of the flag for POW-MIA Recognition Day is one of the important ways that this bill honors our veterans and their families.”  “This day stands as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of so many service members and their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By lowering our state flag, we send a clear message that Massachusetts will always honor their service and the debt we owe them.”  “This act is more than a symbolic gesture. It reinforces our state’s commitment to never forget the thousands who remain missing in action and to support their families,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “This is an important step in ensuring that their service is remembered and respected every year.”  The third Friday in September is commemorated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day since its inception in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter.  Local News Headlines Nearly 60 citations issued in Springfield’s Pine Point neighborhood Thursday night football features Patriots against Jets U.S. and Massachusetts flags lowered to half-staff Friday Enfield police search for 3 suspects following reported armed home invasion WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.