Latest news with #U.S.FlagCode
San Francisco Chronicle
22-06-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Climbers find upside-down American flag signaling ‘distress' on Tahoe summit
An upside-down American flag atop Flagpole Peak above Echo Lakes near Lake Tahoe is drawing attention after two climbers encountered the display during a summit last week. Tadd Perkins of South Lake Tahoe and Nicholas Schwab of San Francisco climbed the peak on June 10, initially noticing the flagpole from a distance. As they neared the summit, they saw the flag was flying upside down — a symbol of distress under the U.S. Flag Code. Visible from Meyers (El Dorado County) and the Echo Lake trailhead into Desolation Wilderness, the flag appears to be part of a broader wave of symbolic protest on public lands. In recent months, upside-down flags and large banners have been used to criticize cuts to environmental and emergency services carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency, a federal group led until recently by Elon Musk. In February, an upside-down U.S. flag was unfurled on Yosemite's El Capitan during the park's annual firefall spectacle. In May, a 1,925-square-foot Transgender Pride flag was draped over the same cliff face, prompting Yosemite officials to ban banners larger than 15 square feet in designated wilderness areas. Perkins, a retired Federal Emergency Management Agency official and firefighter, said he wasn't involved in the Flagpole Peak display but empathized with its message. 'Even prior to recent DOGE cuts, public lands staffing was in decline while recreational visitation was at or near all-time highs,' Perkins said. 'Most of us can see why this is not a good equation for the health of the resources over time.' He warned against the long-term impact of slashing public service jobs that support outdoor infrastructure. Last month, 16 AmeriCorps members in the Tahoe Basin were laid off mid-term due to canceled federal grants — a decision tied up in litigation. Although a U.S. District Court has ordered some AmeriCorps funding restored, the Trump administration is expected to appeal by August. 'We can't use a chain saw against the places that sustain us and the agencies and workforce that support them,' Perkins said, referencing Musk's widely publicized appearance wielding a chain saw at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February. 'These public lands are so great because they have had tireless public servants dedicated to them.' The U.S. Forest Service, which manages Flagpole Peak, acknowledged the display and noted it could be considered abandoned property under federal regulations. However, no national policy prohibits such symbolic expressions. 'We are aware of the public attention surrounding the display of an upside-down United States flag at this location,' said Lisa Herron, a spokesperson for the USDA Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. 'On the national level, there is no policy prohibiting hanging of banners, flags or signs, and it is considered a protected form of speech.' Perkins pointed out that outdoor recreation contributes an estimated $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis. 'When I'm climbing and hiking, I admittedly am not thinking about the economic benefit from time outside,' Perkins said. 'I am thinking about the person it's helped me become and how it has brought me the best experiences and friends in my life.' He added that this is why 'someone might want to hang an American flag on public lands, to signal the distress we are in.'
USA Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Flag Day 2025: Here's the right way to celebrate the American flag
Flag Day 2025: Here's the right way to celebrate the American flag On June 14, we will not only be saluting the Army's 250th year with President Donald Trump's military parade in downtown Washington, D.C., we will also be celebrating America's symbol of freedom: the American flag. A flag resolution was adopted 248 years ago, on June 14, 1777, that said, "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation," according to the Smithsonian. Since President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 Flag Day in May 1916, the United States has honored the adoption of the stars and stripes in a number of ways, including carrying the flag in parades, displaying it outside homes and holding other patriotic events. Before 1916, a number of states and cities had started to observe the day. Though it's observed nationally, Flag Day is not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday. More than 100 years after the Continental Congress approved the flag, Flag Day was first observed in 1877. President Harry Truman established Flag Day as a national holiday in 1949. Army's 250th birthday parade: How to celebrate Army's 250th year – and (unofficially) Trump's birthday America's flag throughout history The 50 stars and 13 stripes that make up the U.S. flag will celebrate its 65 birthday on July 4. Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, and on July 4, 1960, the flag's new design was officially adopted. More: Country singers and parade celebrate Army – and (unofficially) Trump's birthday Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. What do the American flag's colors represent? The colors red, white and blue did not have meanings when the flag was adopted in 1777. However, when the Congress of the Confederation chose red, white and blue for the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, the meanings were listed as: More: Military parade is coming to D.C. Officials give a preview. How to properly display the American flag Flag etiquette has been in place for many years to ensure the flag is treated with respect. Congress established the U.S. Flag Code in 1942, which outlines standards for flag care and display. Except in situations when there is imminent danger to life or property, the American flag should not be flown with the union down, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. A flag should never touch the ground. No other flag may be flown above or to the right of the U.S. flag, except at United Nations headquarters. Citizens may fly the flag at any time but preferably from sunrise to sunset − except for special occasions or when well lighted. When a flag becomes unfit to fly, it should be destroyed with dignity. How to properly fold the American flag A traditional triangular method is used to fold the American flag. According to the American Legion, the origins of the triangular fold are unknown, but some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America or a chaplain stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here's how its done: SOURCE The American Legion; National Flag Foundation; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; USA TODAY research CONTRIBUTING Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, and Evan Sasiela, USA TODAY Network This story was updated to add new information.
USA Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Flag Day has arrived: Here's how to celebrate the American flag
Flag Day has arrived: Here's how to celebrate the American flag On June 14, we will not only be saluting the Army's 250th year with President Donald Trump's military parade in downtown Washington, D.C., we will also be celebrating America's symbol of freedom: the American flag. A flag resolution was adopted 248 years ago, on June 14, 1777, that said, "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation," according to the Smithsonian. Since President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 Flag Day in May 1916, the United States has honored the adoption of the stars and stripes in a number of ways, including carrying the flag in parades, displaying it outside homes and holding other patriotic events. Before 1916, a number of states and cities had started to observe the day. Though it's observed nationally, Flag Day is not a federal holiday. Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday. More than 100 years after the Continental Congress approved the flag, Flag Day was first observed in 1877. President Harry Truman established Flag Day as a national holiday in 1949. Army's 250th birthday parade: How to celebrate Army's 250th year – and (unofficially) Trump's birthday America's flag throughout history The 50 stars and 13 stripes that make up the U.S. flag will celebrate its 65 birthday on July 4. Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, and on July 4, 1960, the flag's new design was officially adopted. More: Country singers and parade celebrate Army – and (unofficially) Trump's birthday Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them. What do the American flag's colors represent? The colors red, white and blue did not have meanings when the flag was adopted in 1777. However, when the Congress of the Confederation chose red, white and blue for the Great Seal of the United States in 1782, the meanings were listed as: More: Military parade is coming to D.C. Officials give a preview. How to properly display the American flag Flag etiquette has been in place for many years to ensure the flag is treated with respect. Congress established the U.S. Flag Code in 1942, which outlines standards for flag care and display. Except in situations when there is imminent danger to life or property, the American flag should not be flown with the union down, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. A flag should never touch the ground. No other flag may be flown above or to the right of the U.S. flag, except at United Nations headquarters. Citizens may fly the flag at any time but preferably from sunrise to sunset − except for special occasions or when well lighted. When a flag becomes unfit to fly, it should be destroyed with dignity. How to properly fold the American flag A traditional triangular method is used to fold the American flag. According to the American Legion, the origins of the triangular fold are unknown, but some sources attribute it to the Gold Star Mothers of America or a chaplain stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here's how its done: SOURCE The American Legion; National Flag Foundation; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; USA TODAY research CONTRIBUTING Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, and Evan Sasiela, USA TODAY Network This story was updated to add new information.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jim Jordan's 'In America' Rant Goes Very Wrong, Very Quickly
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is getting called out on social media for a rant about flags that doesn't seem to apply to everyone. Jordan retweeted a message from the House Judiciary Committee ― which he chairs ― showing a Mexican flag at the scene of the chaotic protests in Los Angeles. He followed that up with a message of his own: We fly the American flag in America. — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 9, 2025 Jordan's critics flagged him on X with two quick reminders: that the First Amendment allows people to fly whatever flag they want... and that Jordan hasn't highlighted other flags flown, such as Confederate flags, especially at events in support of President Donald Trump. Trump supporters have also flown a number of flags that violate the U.S. Flag Code by including images of Trump and MAGA messages on them. Many of those types of flags and more have been on display at Trump events and during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol carried out by Trump's supporters. Jordan's critics fired back with some pointed reminders: Like this? — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 9, 2025 I can fly whatever flag I want. It came free with my first amendment. — the german gentleman aka grubauer's #1 fan (@midaeros) June 9, 2025 Apparently not — Carlos Villarreal (@crlosvllarreal) June 9, 2025 🤔 — Jen (@JenResistedAGN) June 9, 2025 Like this? — Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) June 9, 2025 can't recognize the difference between a Confederate flag, a MAGA flag, and the stars and stripes. Ohio ain't sending their best. — emptywheel (check) (@emptywheel) June 9, 2025 Like this — Kathryn Horsman (@kathrynhorsman) June 10, 2025 We know what flag you fly… — JustTheFacts! ⚓️ 🇺🇸🦅 (@JustTheFacts_68) June 10, 2025 Like this? — Dianne Callahan (@DianneCallaha16) June 9, 2025 Is that so? — Dittie (@DittiePE) June 9, 2025 Like these? — Shady (@Shadywmn) June 9, 2025 Actually, being an American means you have the freedom to fly any flag you want. Just like the people you support marched a confederate flag through the Capitol on January 6. — Michael Freeman (@michaelpfreeman) June 9, 2025 wE fLy ThE aMrIcAn FlAg In AmeRiCa — 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕒 ℙ𝕠𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕤𝕥 (@thocpodcast) June 10, 2025 Go ahead, tell all the Irish, Italian, and Greek neighborhoods to take down their flags. Let me know how that goes. — Kay 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 💙💙F*CK PUTIN (@katelykeanon) June 9, 2025 Really?Is that new? — DKGray (@TheRealDKGray) June 9, 2025 wait until he sees all the flags during the World Cup — Yessi (@YESSISG16) June 10, 2025
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jim Jordan's 'In America' Rant Goes Very Wrong, Very Quickly
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is getting called out on social media for a rant about flags that doesn't seem to apply to everyone. Jordan retweeted a message from the House Judiciary Committee ― which he chairs ― showing a Mexican flag at the scene of the chaotic protests in Los Angeles. He followed that up with a message of his own: Jordan's critics flagged him on X with two quick reminders: that the First Amendment allows people to fly whatever flag they want... and that Jordan hasn't highlighted other flags flown, such as Confederate flags, especially at events in support of President Donald Trump. Trump supporters have also flown a number of flags that violate the U.S. Flag Code by including images of Trump and MAGA messages on them. Many of those types of flags and more have been on display at Trump events and during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol carried out by Trump's supporters. Jordan's critics fired back with some pointed reminders:
