Village Of Homer Glen 'does not condone' flying American flag upside down | WGN-TV

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

WILL COUNTY, Ill. — Officials with the Village of Homer Township on Tuesday said in a statement to residents they do "not condone" Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich's move to fly the American flag upside down outside the administration center last week.

"The actions have angered and disrespected not only those who have proudly served our country but also those critical of the use of a government property to push their own political agenda," the statement, posted to social media, read in part.

According to US Code, it's inappropriate to fly the American flag with the union down, except "as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

Balich said he took action on May 31, the day after former President Donald J. Trump was convicted by a jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records, because he believes the "country is in peril, and we, my friends, are at a crossroads."

In their message Tuesday, officials said Balich's actions were "in no way supported by the Village."

Following Trump's conviction, images of an upside down American flag were frequent on social media. The symbol has also been in the news recently amid reports it was flown outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.

In addition to acting as township supervisor, Balich also serves on the Will County Board.

Full Text of Supervisor Steve Balich's Statement

Our country is in peril, and we, my friends, are at a crossroads. This is so much larger than Republican vs. Democrat . Our borders are being infiltrated, inflation is at an all-time high, taxation from our local and federal governments is out of control, and our laws are being changed, altered, manipulated, and weaponized to go after political opposition and regular American citizens.

On May 30, 2024, the leading candidate for President was found guilty on 34 counts, which represents a crisis in our democratic process. As Americans, no matter which political party you support, we should be outraged and very concerned. If laws in our country can be changed and manipulated to go after the current leading candidate for President, how long before it trickles down to us as ordinary citizens and we lose all of our God-given rights and freedoms?

Yesterday, I temporarily flew our nation's flag upside down. Flying the flag upside down represents distress, and I truly believe that our country is in distress and our Constitution is under attack. I hold in utmost esteem those who have served and died for our country and the flag. Choosing to fly our symbol of liberty upside down for that limited time was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life. I love this country, and I love that flag. By making this statement, I wanted us as Homer Township residents to see the threat before us, reach out to our neighbors, and initiate peaceful discussions about what is occurring in our country. Like I stated previously, this is bigger than Republican vs. Democrat. We, as a community, need to peacefully engage with each other and stand strong together against this unlawfulness before us.

As you well know, I am a Republican, but first and foremost, I am an American, and as your Township Supervisor, I will continue to fight for all Homer Township residents, no matter your political party affiliation. We are all in this together.

Full Text of Village of Homer Glen Statement

"Due to the recent event which occurred on the morning of Friday, May 31st by Homer Township, the Village of Homer Glen would like to make it perfectly clear that these actions were in no way supported by the Village. Home Township took it upon themselves to display the American flag upside down out side of the Homer Township offices. Although the Village of Home Glen and Homer Township are two very separate government entities, this is not always understood. Both entities do represent the citizens, and the actions have angered and disrespected not only those who have proudly served our country but also those critical of the use of a government property to push their own political agenda. The Village of Homer Glen does not condone these actions."

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