On Feb. 22, a large group of outdoor enthusiasts gathered at El Capitan, one of the world’s most iconic rock formations, in California’s Yosemite National Park to witness the “Firefall”—a natural phenomenon that occurs when the setting sun hits the park’s Horsetail Fall at just the right angle, causing it to resemble a flow of lava. However, the moment was marked by the presence of an upside-down American flag draped over the side of the granite monolith near the fall.
According to the Department of Defense, the U.S. Flag Code determines that when the national flag is displayed, the union should be uppermost and to the observer’s left. Furthermore, “it should never be displayed upside down unless trying to convey a sign of distress or great danger.” The code does not specify any legal penalties for violations.