Solving the Symbolism and Controversy of the American Flag Upside Down

Hanging the American flag upside down is noticed as a sign of a nation in misery — and it’s increasingly being utilized by those on both sides of the political parties. Read on.

The American flag has transformed vastly. The flag is red, white, and blue, with 50 white stars and 13 red-and-white stripes. The flag’s stars in the upper left corner represent the 50 US states, while the stripes reflect the 13 original colonies. Hawaii became a state in August 1959, although the American flag has altered many times. The American flag has 27 variations! Read about the history of the American flag upside down symbolism.

Understanding American Flag History

The American flag has symbolized the New World and the US for almost three centuries. The flag’s outline is unchanged. For various reasons, the flag has had several variants. The most notable American Flag variants are listed here.

• The 13-Star American Flag

The 13-star American flag first represented the area on June 14, 1777. A blue square was in the corner, and 13 red and white stripes ran horizontally across the banner. Inside the blue square, things were different. Instead of 50 white stars in nine rows, the flag featured 13 in a circle. These stars and stripes symbolized the 13 original colonies that rebelled against Britain. The red, white, and blue colors are from the British flag but have no meaning. New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson designed the original American flag. This American flag flew from 1777 to 1795.

• The 15-Star American Flag

Kentucky joined the US in 1792 after Vermont in 1791. The original American flag was inaccurate after adding 14th and 15th states. The flag’s upper left has two white stars. This created five rows of three stars instead of a circle. This flag inspired Francis Scott Key to create “The Star Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. The inspiring song is still the national anthem. The 15-star American flag was the national banner from 1795 to 1818.

• The 20-Star American Flag

Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi became states in 1818. Hence, the American flag got five new stars. Congress codified the American flag layout with the Flag Act of 1818. The act mandated that the flag have 13 red and white stripes and a white star on the blue background for each new state. This flag was important, but it only lasted a year until more stars represented new states.

• The 31-Star American Flag

Manifest Destiny was realized when California joined the US. Manifest Destiny was adopted in 1845. This concept held that God would spread the US across North America. California joined the Union five years after Manifest Destiny, indicating New World affluence. California swiftly became a state as the Gold Rush attracted numerous settlers seeking wealth. The 31-star American flag flew from 1851 until 1858.

• The 50-Star American Flag

The 50-star American flag was created in 1959 when Hawaii joined the US. Since then, this flag has been the official American flag and the longest-flying. The first flag off Earth was the 50-star American flag. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted the moon flag in July 1969. The flag no longer stands there, yet it represents a critical point in American and human history. The 50-star American flag has been the official flag since 1960, under 13 presidents.

Meaning of the American flag upside down

Although the American flag represents the nation, its appearance can have many meanings. A flag flown at half-mast indicates mourning for the country or territory. However, flipping the flag complicates its essence—the history and purpose of the upside-down American flag.

What Is The US Flag Code?

Civil War veterans led the anti-flag desecration movement in the early 1900s. Their agitation stemmed from the flag’s economic and political use rather than national symbolism. Washington, D.C., hosted the first National Flag Conference after WWI. The meeting created the US Flag Code. After many states implemented flag laws, this official set of guidelines for flag display and respect was issued. The Flag Code was published in 1923 and accepted by Congress in 1942. Every public institution must fly the flag on national holidays under the laws. The flag is often passed on election days and historical anniversaries.

Is There Any Flag Code Details?

The US Flag Code specifies when and how to fly the flag. Vertically hung flags should always have the blue part to the left. The flag should be above all other flags on the flagpole and far right in a parade. If not on a flagpole, the flag must be exhibited flat or hanging to fall freely. Never use the flag as a ceiling or touch anything below it. These criteria appear harsh, but the code’s architects wanted to retain the American flag’s live character. In 1989, the Supreme Court struck down flag-protection laws. This was because the laws violated the First Amendment free expression.

Political Controversy On American Flag Upside Down

Dissenters hoist the flag upside-down during political upheaval.  Once the US Flag Code was released, flying an upside-down American flag had a definite significance. The code said the flag should only be flown upside-down in great danger and distress. This unusual flag presentation would alert others to the threat. However, the upside-down American flag is now increasingly common. Dissenters hoist the flag upside-down during political upheaval. Since the 2016 election, the upside-down American flag has lost its physical threat reputation. Currently, it’s employed for political speech.

American flag upside down and A Free Expression

The national symbol is rarely flown upside down unless in protest and free expression.  Flying the flag upside down to make a political remark is against its apolitical nature. Brunswick resident Ernie Lamarre discussed the Black Lives movement, abortion restrictions, and the nation following the 2021 presidential elections.  Gregg McNally of Bowdoinham flew his 13-star upside down to protest the 2016 presidential election.

Has anyone been arrested for the American flag upside down?

Practice contradicts the claim that U.S. Flag Code infractions are not penalized. Pennsylvania guy jailed for flying the flag upside down in front of his home in 2007. Some Congressmen’s Middle East policy disappointed Joseph Yamrus. He passed the Old Glory upside down to protest the Iraq war’s present attitude.

Yamrus’ neighbor phoned the police, unaware that this was a protest. Therefore, the local police officer told Yamrus to fly it properly or hoist it down, saying it was prohibited under Pennsylvania law. Yamrus was detained for refusing. However, contacting the local magistrate dropped the charges.

The Bottom Line

Flying any flag upside down symbolizes distress and a call for aid. In the recent “Freedom Convoy” protest against COVID-19 public health mandates, the Canadian flag was turned upside down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is flying the American flag upside down disrespectful?

The US Flag Code prohibits flying a flag upside-down “except as a signal of dire distress in extreme danger to life or property.”

What does Instagram’s upside-down flag mean?

Political protests include using an upside-down American flag as a profile photo. It generally represents sadness, unhappiness with the government, or disagreement with policies or acts.

Vertically hanging a flag means what?

No special connotation is attached to vertical flag hanging. Vertical flag display has no special meaning as long as it respects appropriate flag etiquette.

What are the five Flag Code violations?

Never let the flag contact any surface, including water or merchandise. Roaring and unfettered, the flag should forever be flown. The flag should never be worn, slept on, or used as a curtain.