An inverted American flag atop Yosemite’s El Capitan rock formation grabbed attention over the weekend, sparking questions about its meaning. The flag, raised on February 23, was a deliberate protest by National Park Service employees against job cuts implemented during the Trump administration. The upside-down flag, according to U.S. Flag Code, is a symbol of distress, indicating extreme danger or crisis.

The protest was aimed at the significant staffing reductions within the National Park Service under the Trump administration, which cut 1,000 jobs. Park rangers, maintenance workers, and environmental specialists expressed concerns that these cuts would negatively impact park conditions, making them less safe for visitors and deteriorating the overall experience.

Gavin Carpenter, a Yosemite maintenance mechanic, admitted to providing the flag for the protest. He explained that the goal was to highlight the challenges facing America’s national parks, emphasizing the need for adequate staff to maintain the parks and ensure their continued operation. Without sufficient staffing, he warned, the parks risked becoming unsustainable.

The image of the flag, shared by photographer Brittany Colt, quickly gained attention online. Colt, who had friends affected by the job cuts, expressed her frustration, noting that vital services like Search and Rescue and park maintenance were being jeopardized. While the Trump administration later announced plans to restore some positions, many employees remain concerned that these changes won’t be enough to address the long-term challenges facing the National Park Service

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