Can the American flag be flown upside down?

• A. Yes, during times of distress.
• B. Only on national holidays.
• C. No, never.
• D. Only at night.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that the flag’s orientation carries a specific message. Flown upside down, the flag communicates dire distress and signals that there is extreme danger to life or property. That is the only time the inverted flag is appropriate. It isn’t a normal display for holidays, protests, or daily use, and it isn’t something done casually. If an inverted flag is used, it should be a brief, clear signal in a genuine emergency, and it should be treated with the same respect as any other flag while conveying that urgent situation.