St. Sabina Church Raises Upside-Down American Flag to Protest Trump Administration
A Symbol of Distress
The St. Sabina Church community raised an upside-down American flag Monday morning to protest recent policy decisions from the Trump administration. The move is a symbol of distress, reflecting the church’s deep concerns about the direction of the country.
“What we are seeing in America is not and cannot be accepted or normalized,” said Rev. Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina’s senior pastor, in a statement. “These are only the beginning of a long list of why America is in distress. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. And we will rise up and we will resist.”
A Call to Action
The upside-down flag, which was raised outside the church, will remain in that position “as long as this country is under siege,” according to Pfleger. The move is a call to action, urging Americans to come together to address the issues facing the country.
Veterans Join the Protest
At least a dozen veterans, including Rochelle Crump, an Army veteran who served with the Women’s Army Corps during the Vietnam War era, joined in the flag-raising. Crump said she would have never seen herself participating in such an event, but the current state of the country has changed her perspective.
“We would have never seen ourselves standing here today to raise the flag upside down,” Crump said. “For many years, we have held it as a sacred piece to what it meant to America. But today, we are here because America is under distress.”
Counter-Protesters Voice Opposition
However, not everyone agrees with the move. A small group of counter-protesters, including veteran Esteban Burgoa, showed up to voice their opposition. Burgoa believes the upside-down flag disrespects veterans and the flag should be treated as an apolitical symbol.
“A lot of people have died for this flag,” said Burgoa. “The United States flag has nothing to do with politics, has nothing to do with Trump, has nothing to do with nobody. It is for freedom and liberty.”
International Support
The move is not unique to St. Sabina Church. An upside-down flag was also flown on Saturday over El Capitan in Yosemite National Park by park employees protesting cuts to the federal workforce, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
FAQs
* What is the significance of an upside-down American flag?
+ An upside-down American flag is a symbol of distress, indicating that a country is under siege or in crisis.
* Why did St. Sabina Church raise an upside-down American flag?
+ The church raised the flag to protest recent policy decisions from the Trump administration, which they believe are causing distress in the country.
* Will the flag remain upside down?
+ Yes, the flag will remain upside down “as long as this country is under siege,” according to Rev. Michael Pfleger.
* What is the reaction to the move?
+ Some people, including veterans, support the move, while others, like counter-protesters, oppose it, believing it disrespects the flag and the country.
