COLUMBUS, Ohio - Upside down American flags are flying at demonstrations, on front porches and even over the side of one of America’s most treasured national landscapes. But what exactly does it mean?

The flag of the United States has had several different nicknames over the years. “Stars and Stripes” and “Old Glory” are two of the names the flag has had since the initial flag was adopted in 1777.

The now common phrase dates back to a 19th century ship captain whose American flag traveled the world Al Messerschmidt/Getty The American flag got its nickname "Old Glory" from 19th-century sea ...