Upside-Down American and POW/MIA Flags Spotted at Multiple Brooklyn Parks

Flags representing the United States and POW/MIA were found hung upside down at three locations in southern Brooklyn, prompting local outrage and accusations of disrespect towards national symbols. The flags were later corrected by the Parks Department, which dispatched crews to fix the displays at John J. Carty Park near the Fort Hamilton Army Base, the Fort Hamilton Triangle, and Bath Beach Park.

Hanging the American flag upside down is traditionally a distress signal under U.S. flag protocol, but it is often also used as a gesture of defiance or disrespect. Witnesses noted that teenagers pulled down the flags at Carty Park and manipulated them before the upside-down display appeared.

Residents like John Meister criticized the act, emphasizing its disrespect to veterans who sacrificed for the country. Authorities responded promptly, with the Parks Department instructing regional managers to monitor for similar incidents, though no suspects have yet been identified.

City officials, including Councilman Justin Brannan, who is seeking to become NYC comptroller, and Brooklyn Republican Party Chairman Richie Barsamian, took action by calling the Parks Department to demand the flags be displayed respectfully after receiving complaints. Barsamian, also a candidate for local office, condemned comments made by Brannan joking about the incident, calling it inappropriate and criticising its tone.

Both leaders emphasized their respect for the American flag. Brannan’s spokesperson stated that the flag “belongs to all of us, not any political party,” and condemned any disrespect, noting it disrespects those who fought for the nation’s values.