Upside-Down Flag Signals Protest Against Job Cuts in National Parks

Lesson made on February 24, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Every February, people visit Yosemite National Park in California to see the “firefall,” a rare natural event. This happens when the sunset shines on Horsetail Falls, a waterfall on El Capitan, a massive 3,000-foot rock formation. The light makes the water glow orange, creating the illusion of lava flowing down the cliff. Photographers and nature lovers wait for hours to see it at the perfect moment.

But this year, visitors saw something unexpected: an upside-down American flag at the top of El Capitan. A group of Yosemite park employees put the flag there to protest job cuts made by US President Donald Trump. According to US flag rules, an upside-down flag is a sign of distress. The workers wanted to bring attention to the fact that 1,000 jobs had been cut from the National Park Service.

Many park employees were frustrated by the cuts, saying that fewer workers would mean longer lines, dirtier restrooms, and unsafe conditions for visitors who go hiking and camping. Some employees had already lost their jobs, including those responsible for search and rescue, cleaning, and park safety. Without enough staff, people who get hurt while hiking could have to wait hours for help. Park employees are not paid high salaries, but many do the work because they love nature.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What does the “firefall” look like?

a) A waterfall that turns to ice in winter.
b) A fire that burns at the base of a cliff.
c) A waterfall that looks like flowing lava.
d) A real fire set by park rangers.

2. Why did park employees put up an upside-down flag?

a) To celebrate a national holiday.
b) To show respect for fallen soldiers.
c) To protest job cuts in the National Park Service.
d) To attract more tourists to the park.

3. An upside-down US flag is a sign of distress. What does “distress” mean?

a) Happiness and celebration
b) Danger or serious trouble
c) A new law or rule
d) A friendly greeting

4. What happens when jobs are cut?

a) More people are hired for work.
b) Employees lose their jobs.
c) Workers get a salary increase
d) Employees are injured while working.

5. What problem might visitors face due to the job cuts?

a) More exciting hiking trails.
b) Fewer visitors in the park.
c) Dirtier facilities and slower emergency help.
d) Lower entrance fees.

6. What can we guess about the park employees who protested?

a) They are very wealthy and don’t need their jobs.
b) They care about the park and their work.
c) They dislike nature.
d) They don’t enjoy their jobs.

7. Why did the employees believe the job cuts were dangerous?

a) Fewer workers could mean slower emergency responses.
b) The park would become too crowded.
c) The firefall event would be canceled.
d) Visitors would have to pay more for tickets.

8. How might the job cuts affect the park in the future?

a) The park will be cleaner and safer.
b) Visitors might have a worse experience.
c) More workers will be hired next year.
d) The park will close forever.

9. How did the flag protest help bring attention to job cuts?

a) It was a traditional way to ask for a raise.
b) It helped the park make more money.
c) It was required by park rules.
d) It showed visitors and the media that employees were upset.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Yosemite National Park is famous for its “firefall” event.
b) The U.S. flag should never be displayed upside-down.
c) National parks are popular places for photographers.
d) A protest by park employees highlighted concerns about job cuts.

Speaking and Writing Prompts:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Where do you like to go to enjoy nature? What do you do there?

2. Would you like to work in a national park? Why or why not?

3. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know protested something? What was the situation, and what did you do?

More Reading Practice:

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a beautiful area located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It covers over 3,000 square kilometers and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. One of the most famous features of the park is El Capitan, a massive granite rock formation that rises about 900 meters straight up. This rock attracts climbers from all over the world who come to test their skills.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and many bird species. Visitors can explore a variety of trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes, allowing everyone to experience the natural beauty of the area. Yosemite is also known for its impressive waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, dropping nearly 740 meters.

Yosemite National Park is not just a place for outdoor activities; it also has significant cultural history. The park has been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, and their history and traditions are an important part of the area. Visitors to Yosemite can learn about this heritage through educational programs and museum exhibits.

Yosemite is not only beautiful and important for its culture, but it also has challenges to face. One of these challenges is the impact of tourism. Each year, millions of people visit the park, which can put pressure on its resources and harm the environment. To help with this, efforts are being made to find a balance between protecting the park and making sure visitors have a good experience. This way, Yosemite can stay a safe and loved place for future generations.


Link: Photos of El Capitan Firefall

Link: Photos of the upside-down flag on El Capitan

Link: Photos of Yosemite National Park

Link: Yosemite Official Website (National Park Service)

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