This past Friday, the US and Pow/MIA flags were seen rolled up and hanging upside down at three different locations in South Brooklyn.
The City Parks division confirmed that crews would be sent out to fix the flags at John J. Cart Park and Fort Hamilton Triangle in Bay Ridge, as well as at Bass Beach Park in Bensonhurst. Notably, Cart Park is located close to the Fort Hamilton Army Base.
Displaying the American flag upside down is recognized as a distress signal according to US flag laws. However, it’s often used as a provocative gesture to reflect dissatisfaction with the state of the country and its government.
“I’m honestly taken aback that this occurred in Bay Ridge,” remarked Michael Ragusa, a Republican operative and city corrections officer. He noted that just a few years ago, the area was one of the last strongholds for the GOP in Brooklyn, and now it seems some troubling behavior is starting to take root.
Ragusa criticized Justin Brannan, the Democratic representative for Bay Ridge, for joking about the situation online. In his view, the flag incident might be linked to comments made by the state’s Conservative Party Chairman, Gerald Cusser.
“It shows he’s not serious about his responsibilities, his constituents, or this country,” Ragusa added.
The Parks Service has advised Brooklyn Park managers to remain vigilant about similar incidents but didn’t disclose who might be responsible for this particular display.
Meanwhile, a couple of regulars at Cart Park claimed they witnessed teenagers using a rope to take down the flag the day before, but they didn’t stick around long enough to see it flipped upside down.
“It’s disrespectful—many veterans have sacrificed their lives for this country,” expressed John Meister, a local who’s 29.
Brannan, along with Richie Barsamian, the chair of the Brooklyn Republican Party, was recognized for reaching out to the Parks Department to ensure the flags were displayed properly following complaints from residents.
Barsamian, who is campaigning for Brannan’s council seat, deemed the jokes surrounding the flag incident as “terribly inappropriate.” He suggested perhaps there was a connection to an event that occurs annually in Bay Ridge that honors the flag.
Brannan defended himself through a spokesperson, asserting respect for the American flag and indicating that it belongs to everyone—not just one political party.
“No one should tamper with our flag,” he stated. “It’s a disrespect to all those who have fought and died for our values.”
