Council Member Blasts Upside-Down U.S. Flag at Somali Independence Day Event in St. Cloud

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud City Council member is speaking out after an American flag was flown upside down at Lake George during a Somali Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3rd.

During Monday night’s council meeting, Councilmember Scott Brodeen said a resident messaged him asking whether the council had approved the display. Brodeen said it was not something that came before the council, and he drove to Lake George to see for himself.

Brodeen says a St. Cloud police officer at the event confirmed the flag had been flown upside down, telling him the department received a number of calls and complaints before officers corrected it.

Brodeen directed his harshest criticism at those who put on the event. “To the event organizers that were behind such a disgusting show of disrespect to a country that has given so much, it’s sickening.”

He also called out politicians and candidates who attended, saying they failed to take action or stand up for the country, adding, “Shame on you. We deserve better.” While he didn’t name any of the candidates, a video posted on Facebook by Rocks and Cows of Minnesota shows the upside-down flag and a banner indicating the event was supported by Abdi Daisane and Zachary Dorholt, both Democrats running for the Minnesota House, Doug Chapin, a Democrat running for Congress in District 6, and Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate.

Brodeen, who earlier in his remarks praised a Fourth of July weekend tribute honoring veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, said the flag carries a cost that demands respect. “Brave men and women died for that flag, for what it represents, and so we can enjoy the way of life that we have today, all the freedoms that we have today.”

He acknowledged the display is protected expression. “And I understand that it’s freedom of speech. I’m not saying that you don’t have that freedom here in the USA. I’m not saying that you can’t say that. I’m saying that you shouldn’t.”

Brodeen noted he has the same rights. “I also have a freedom of speech, and I say that that’s 100% un-American, and I was disgusted.”
Under the U.S. Flag Code, flying the flag upside down is reserved as a signal of dire distress or extreme danger. Under any other circumstance, it’s considered a sign of disrespect.

Brodeen’s comments came during council member reports at the end of the meeting, which fell two days after the nation marked its 250th Independence Day.

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