Tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27. Mar 29, 2009 the arrangement is in deference to standard bearers, or the soldiers who would carry the flag into battle. When you display your countrys flag backwards with a patch or a backwards american flag sticker, the emblem or brand ceases to be legally emblematic of the sponsoring country. Discussion in edc bags started by johnjones, jun 11. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on the left. Nov 11, 2015 an interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. Lets take a closer look at the meaning of a backward flag. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. In later conflicts, the standard was converted into a patch worn on the service members right shoulder.
However, when the flag is displayed as a patch on the right shoulder of a military, police, or fire uniform, its orientation is rightleft reversed, as shown here. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. While some may mistakenly think that a backward or reverse flag is show of disrespect, it is actually a sign of respect to display it this way on a military uniform. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the. Its pretty common for guys in the military to get tattoos replicating patches that they normally wear on their uniform. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. While the military codes and regulations are referred to in this blog as the reason the flag is flying backwards on. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation. Many sharpeyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of american soldiers. The american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. The flag must always be facing forward, which is typically seen as the stars on the lefthand side of the pole, seen as facing forward and never retreating. If you had a flag patch on each arm in order for the flags to fly the right way you would need one that is reversed.
Mar 30, 2018 the flag faces the observers right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the person in uniform, car or airplane moves forward. In a forward charge, the canton would always be facing forward. Apr 23, 2015 the flag is not backwards on the uniform, it is pointed forwards towards the enemy. Mar 11, 2016 army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. Flag code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. The flag faces the observers right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the person in uniform, car or airplane moves forward. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a.
When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying. And the military is always in forward charge hence, the right flag patch appears backwards. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see. The difference is the arm that the flag is worn on. American flag patches backwards about collections navy announces new patches and insignia for sailors special air force reverse american flag patch with velcro back ocp always facing forward why the american flag ears reversed on here s why the american flag is put on backwards u military. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and. That soldier is fighting for our freedom, and the stars always lead the way. Flag patches for the military are worn with the stars facing to the front while civilians such as fire and police officials wear flag patches with the stars facing backward. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. Every time i see a military uniform on tv or in movies the flag patches on the arms are backwards like mirror images of what theyre supposed to be. Put the flag on the right shoulder and keep in mind that the stars and blue should be going forward as if moving, and youve got yourself a backwards patch.
Heres why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Jun 24, 2017 tim marshall, the author of worth dying for. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. Most americans see the flag every day, flying outside government buildings, schools, and other institutions. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. Mar 27, 2019 have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning the scouts of all people should know about patch design where are your morals. Jul 03, 2018 the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. It used to be in the army you wear the reversed us flag patch on your right arm when you deployed to a. Picture someone with an american flag on a pole star side connected to the pole obviously charging forward. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying in the breeze as the person wearing it moves forward.
An interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. Military uniform sleeves arent the only place where the flag is displayed this way. Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Inch american us flag embroidered cloth sew on iron on patch golden yellow border. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. According to the department of defense, the regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. The american flag patch represents the flag and when flags fly in motion, like a parade, the field of blue is always in the front and that is the only reason the right shoulder flag patch has the field of blue reversed. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature the u. Following is a quote from the department of defense website.
American flag reversed patch subdued olive and black. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and black. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the right. The flag is worn with the appearance of being backwards on soldiers right arm to symbolize early american armies which had a flag carrier holding our flag high which looks backwards. It all has to do with proper display of the flag the blue field of stars should always face forwardbe in the highest and most prestigious position of honor.
Why are american flag patches on law enforcement military people backwards. The power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Oct 10, 2017 the subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag carried by a soldier who is moving. Between the mexican and civil wars, it was carried out front by a flag bearer. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard bearer charging into battle with the flag streaming behind. Mar 26, 2019 army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. Apr 23, 2015 people here are wearing the backwards flag patch and displaying the flag backwards. Why are american flag patches worn backwards on military.
Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. Why are us flags backwards on military uniforms answers. Why are the american flags on military uniforms backwards. The flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces forward. Why do military and law enforcement personel wear a. Its okay, im in the air force and i still think the flag looks backwards when i see it on army uniforms air force uniforms dont have a flag patch. We have excerpted the federal regulations here without any changes so you can find the facts here. The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. This is why us flag is reversed on military uniforms.
Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms.
The answer to why us military uniform flags reversed. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a civilian. May 25, 2018 why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. If the american flag is worn on the right arm, the american flag will appear backwards with the stars on the right. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. That is a very good question with an interesting background. Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. First, youve got the common misperception that the reversed flag is the military version, as ive heard it called by civilians.
Virtually any time the american flag is depicted or flown, it has the orientation seen in the following image, with the stars in the upper hoist left quarter of the flag. Army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. The subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. Cop destroys journalists call to remove the blue lives matter flag. Many people notice that on american military uniforms the flag is reversed on the right side, but they dont know why. This seemingly simple expression is an extremely powerful symbol in american culture. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. The flag is worn with the appearance of being backwards on soldiers right arm to symbolize early american armies which had a flag carrier holding our flag high which looks backwards from one side while correct from the other. And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms.
Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning. Most of us are familiar with the image of the american flag in what is called a wall mount, with the blue star field called the union in the upper left as the flag is suspended facin. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery.
The official reason for the backwards american flag. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. The american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag s own right. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. In the early stages of my army enlistment, an old family friend gave me this reverse american flag patch pictured above from a uniform he wore in the early days of the war in afghanistan. When flying both the american and a military branch flag together you will always have the american flag. Why is the american flag backwards on military uniforms.
479 1474 1575 1128 1200 805 992 1567 514 589 946 1334 835 1422 670 468 1090 491 479 1583 207 970 322 122 954 301 890 504 761 1572 1405 77 604 497 700 707 299 665 840