In 1978 I retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of honorable service. I am protesting the attack by the current president on the U.S. Constitution and democracy.
In 1957, when I enlisted, I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This oath of responsibility continues to today. Donald Trump, the man, took a similar oath in 2016 and again in 2025: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
However, he has demonstrated his disdain for both the U.S. Constitution and democracy. On January 6, 2021, while president, he organized and launched a coup attempt against this country. Despite these events, the man was re-elected in 2024. Now in 2025, he is blatantly attacking the U.S. Constitution, democracy, and its institutions.
As a result, I cannot quietly stand aside while this travesty is happening. Thus, I have decided to protest and honor my oath to this country. I will fly the American flag upside down to signal “a dire distress of extreme danger to life and property”*.
Many men and women have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts in defense of democracy. Citizens of color, particularly Black Americans, I am one of them, have participated in every war/conflict defending democracy, despite facing unequal treatment.
While my individual protest may not resolve these issues, however, I aim to make my voice heard and demonstrate my commitment and love of country. I hope that my actions will encourage others to use their voice and personal power to actively support democracy and the U.S. Constitution, thereby contributing to a new direction for our country.
*Flying the US flag upside down is a sign of danger or distress, usually signifying that people living in the area or those who were in the area when the flag was placed upside down should evacuate immediately. According to the U.S. Flag Code, flying the American flag upside down is only meant to be done "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property". While distress is the most common interpretation, the upside-down American flag can also convey other meanings, such as a protest against government policies, war, or social injustice.
Disclaimer
Because I am protesting in military uniform, I want to clarify that the Department of Defense does not endorse my protest. My intention is not to disgrace or embarrass the military community.
Department of Defense Directive number 1344.10, dated 10 February 19, 2008, policy states:
4.1.4. Subject to any other restrictions in law, a member of the Armed Forces not on active duty may take the actions or participate in the activities permitted in subparagraph 4.1.1. and may take the actions and participate in the activities prohibited in subparagraph 4.1.2, provided the member is not in uniform and does not otherwise act in a manner that could reasonably give rise to the inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement.
My protest is not a political statement but aims to highlight the oath of enlistment I took.
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."