Today we protest!

Today, we are addressing the significance of a flag being displayed in an inverted position. In May 2024, images surfaced of an inverted flag outside the residence of Justice Samuel Alito on Jan. 17, 2021, shortly after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6.

Historically, flags were predominantly utilized at sea rather than on land. This was due to the necessity of identifying ships in open waters, where determining nationality was crucial. During times of conflict, distinguishing between friend and foe was vital, whether the threat came from a foreign nation or a pirate vessel. Nick Garren has proposed that the act of flying a flag upside down initially served as a distress signal for ships, evolving into a symbol of political dissent over time.

The act of displaying the U.S. flag upside down as a form of protest has been documented for over five decades. As we witness the inauguration of Trump today, similar to the protests seen by Trump supporters during Biden’s inauguration in 2020, and their attack on the capital on January 6th, we express our belief that our nation is facing significant turmoil and distress.