### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

**Contact:**

Melissa Gonzalo, Communications

Women's March Foundation  

Email: melissa@womensmarchfoundation.org and press@womensmarchfoundation.org

Subject: Women’s March Foundation Calls for SOS for Democracy – The Flag of Distress Must Fly Now! 

The Women’s March Foundation is calling on Americans to raise the alarm and fly the upside- down American flag — the historic signal of distress — as a visible act of resistance to an escalating authoritarian threat.

This past weekend, Trump publicly refused to rule out invoking the Insurrection Act, stating chillingly to reporters: “We’re going to have troops everywhere.”

We must not be surprised — furious, but not surprised — if Trump uses this moment to declare martial law.

Already, the Trump administration has deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles, bypassing the will of California’s leadership — a direct attack on states’ rights and democratic governance. It has been 60 years since a U.S. president last deployed the National Guard against a state’s wishes. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson intervened — not to oppress, but to protect civil rights activists from segregationist violence.

Today, we are watching a president unleash the military against the American people — to crush dissent, terrorize immigrant communities, and cling to power.

At the same time, we are seeing systematic ethnic deportations, mass ICE raids, and militarized immigration enforcement that mirror early Nazi Germany tactics — targeting marginalized communities to stoke fear and consolidate authoritarian control.

“We are watching a dictator take over — in real time. The upside down flag is the warning signal to the world that American democracy is in distress. It is not unpatriotic to resist; it is unpatriotic to stay silent,”– Emiliana Guereca, President, Women’s March Foundation.

Why the upside down flag?

Under U.S. Flag Code, an upside down flag is only to be flown in instances of extreme distress. That time is now. The S.O.S. signal — “Save Our Souls” — is our cry for action and solidarity. 

This action will extend to this Saturday, June 14 when the Women's March Foundation is calling on all Americans—whether you're marching, protesting, or sitting this one out — to join them in a powerful visual act of resistance, as the President plans to hold a Soviet-style military parade to  celebrate his birthday, on America’s Flag Day. 

Women’s March Foundation declares:

Let’s rain on his parade!

The UPSIDE-DOWN AMERICAN FLAG has an important place in American history and the fight for rights from abolition of slavery, protesting unjust wars, to women’s rights.

It has been used for centuries - first by sailors in distress and now by military and civilians alike to signal grave and immediate danger. It originates from the International S.O.S. distress signal, established in the early 1900s and universally recognized as a call for help. In U.S. military protocol, flying the American flag upside down signals life-threatening danger to life or property.

The Women's March Foundation urges all Americans to participate in this national moment of resistance.

This is not a time for partisanship — it’s about patriotism and defending our great country.