Upside-Down Flag Flies in 'Silent Protest' to President

SUMMERVILLE — Driving down Orangeburg Road, U.S. flags dot the pine tapestry.

But one flag has caught the attention of some in the community: a small 3-foot by 5-foot U.S. flag hanging upside down and underneath a larger, Scottish flag. According to the U.S. Flag Code, a flag hung upside down is a sign of "dire distress," and the flag should not be below another flag.  

The man flying the flag declined to be interviewed and asked his location and name not be used, but sent Patch an e-mail explaining his flag display. 

He wrote:

It  seems my flag display is drawing some attention.  My flag display is my silent protest against the so called person who resides in the White House.  As long as he is living there I will fly the flag inverted and beneath any flag I decide to fly on my pole to show my disapproval of him being there.  I do not trust, nor did I elect him.  He is on a path in my opinion to ruin the United States.  I’m trying not to make a big thing of this.  If I were, I would have either flown my 6’ X 10’ or my 8’ x 12’ flags.  If people are offended, too bad for them, as an American Citizen it is my 1st amendment right and as a retired military veteran I will voice my opinion.  I’ve fought to preserve everyone else's right to say what they please, NOW it’s my turn.

While there is a federal law dictating appropriate display of the U.S. flag dating back to the early 20th century, there are no penalties for violating the law.

Here is proper flag etiquette, according to USA Flag Site:

• The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
• The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
• The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
• When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
• When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

This isn't the first time the display of a flag has raised eyebrows in Summerville. Here is more reading:

• Resident flies Confederate flag to neighbor's chagrin 
• Police vehicle displays Gadsden "Don't Tread on Me" flag