This seemingly simple expression is an extremely powerful symbol in american culture. The answer to why us military uniform flags reversed. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military. 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. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard bearer charging into battle with the flag streaming behind. 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. Why do military and law enforcement personel wear a. That is a very good question with an interesting background. May 25, 2018 why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. In a forward charge, the canton would always be facing forward. Most americans see the flag every day, flying outside government buildings, schools, and other institutions. 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 flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces forward. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. The power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary.
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. 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. Why are us flags backwards on military uniforms answers. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. Code prescribed that military use of the flag will always be red, white, and blue. Discussion in edc bags started by johnjones, jun 11. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. Apr 23, 2015 people here are wearing the backwards flag patch and displaying the flag backwards. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward.
This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. 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. 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. Why are american flag patches on law enforcement military people backwards. 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. Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms.
The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. Jun 24, 2017 tim marshall, the author of worth dying for. American flag reversed patch subdued olive and black. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and. The difference is the arm that the flag is worn on. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch.
Lets take a closer look at the meaning of a backward 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. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. An interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the 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. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. And the military is always in forward charge hence, the right flag patch appears backwards. Many people notice that on american military uniforms the flag is reversed on the right side, but they dont know why. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning the scouts of all people should know about patch design where are your morals. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery. 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. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. First, youve got the common misperception that the reversed flag is the military version, as ive heard it called by civilians. 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. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag.
This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. The official reason for the backwards american flag. Heres why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Between the mexican and civil wars, it was carried out front by a flag bearer.
This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. Why is the american flag backwards on military uniforms. Shop flag patches at army surplus world army surplus world. Nov 11, 2015 an interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag carried by a soldier who is moving. Inch american us flag embroidered cloth sew on iron on patch golden yellow border.
Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is flying. 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. Its pretty common for guys in the military to get tattoos replicating patches that they normally wear on their uniform. 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. 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. 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. 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. Wear your flag with pride with one of our flag patches. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a civilian. However, with the updated army battle dress uniform that was recently unveiled, the flag patch will become a camouflage, muted color. Oct 10, 2017 the subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. Military uniform sleeves arent the only place where the flag is displayed this way.
And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. 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. 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. While the military codes and regulations are referred to in this blog as the reason the flag is flying backwards on. 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. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying. Mar 27, 2019 have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms.
Its funny watching all of the ill informed fatties suck this bs up. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Why are the american flags on military uniforms backwards. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Tactical patch display panel holder board for military army combat morale uniform hook and loop emblems, 43 inches x 27. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see. We have excerpted the federal regulations here without any changes so you can find the facts here.
This is why us flag is reversed on military uniforms. It used to be in the army you wear the reversed us flag patch on your right arm when you deployed to a. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on the left. Apr 23, 2015 the flag is not backwards on the uniform, it is pointed forwards towards the enemy. Many sharpeyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of american soldiers.
Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. 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. 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. In later conflicts, the standard was converted into a patch worn on the service members right shoulder. Following is a quote from the department of defense website. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military.
Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature the u. Why is the american flag displayed backwards on military uniforms. However, on an arm patch, this is seen as the opposite or reversed. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and black. 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. Why is the american flag backward on military uniforms. Why are american flag patches worn backwards 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. 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. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. Mar 29, 2009 the arrangement is in deference to standard bearers, or the soldiers who would carry the flag into battle.
Find the perfect flag patches at army surplus world, in stores or online. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation. Picture someone with an american flag on a pole star side connected to the pole obviously charging forward. 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. 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. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. When flying both the american and a military branch flag together you will always have the american flag. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. 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.
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