Recently, an unusual sight caught the attention of visitors at Yosemite National Park – a US flag flying upside down.
While some may have seen this as an error, it’s actually a symbol of protest.
Here’s the background on what this means and its historical significance.
A Protest at Yosemite National Park
Over the last month, the upside-down flag has been spotted at various locations, including outside the State Department.
The most recent occurrence took place during the firefall event at Yosemite National Park.
This event, which takes place at sunset, lights up the El Capitan waterfall in an orange glow, attracting visitors from all over.
However, they were also met with a 9-meter by 15-meter US flag draped upside down over the cliff.
This wasn’t a mistake; it was a protest by workers of the National Park Service.
The protest was in response to the firing of thousands of federal employees under the Trump administration, including over 1,000 Park Service workers and around 3,000 people at the Forest Service.
Gavin Carpenter, a maintenance mechanic at Yosemite and one of the protesters, explained:
“We’re bringing attention to what’s happening to the parks, which are every American’s property. It’s crucial that we take care of them, and we’re losing people here. It’s not sustainable if we want to keep the parks open.”
The Historical Significance of an Upside-Down Flag
Flying the US flag upside down is not a common sight. The tradition comes from maritime history, where it was used as a signal of distress.
In the past, ships flying an upside-down flag were signaling that they were in trouble and needed help.
It was considered a last resort to communicate distress when no other methods, like tying a knot in the flag (making it a “wheft”), were available.
According to the United States Code:
“The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”
This meant that when the flag was flown upside down, it was an urgent and serious signal.
A Symbol of Protest
In more recent years, flying the US flag upside down has evolved into a symbol of protest.
This practice gained attention in 1974, when the US Supreme Court ruled that a student had the right to display the flag upside down with a peace symbol on top in their dorm room.
Since then, both the left and right have used this form of protest to express dissatisfaction with the government or specific events.
One example occurred last year, when some of Trump’s supporters shared images of the upside-down flag on social media after he was found guilty of falsifying business records.
Is It Disrespectful?
Flying the US flag upside down can be seen as disrespectful by some people, especially those who hold the flag in high regard.
However, it is important to note that this practice is protected by the US Constitution.
Whether you agree or disagree with its message, the act of flying the flag upside down is a legal form of protest, and its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.
Conclusion
In summary, the upside-down US flag is not just a mistake but a powerful signal of distress or protest.
Whether it’s about the firing of federal workers or a wider political statement, this method has deep historical roots and continues to serve as an outlet for those who feel their voices are not being heard.