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. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. Because retreat in battle, as any soldier will tell you. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag pole. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers.
This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. 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. Why is the american flag patch that soldiers and some law enforcement officers wear in reverse. We carry a wide variety of flags but one flag we carry many different sizes and colors of and thats the american flag patches. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Mar 11, 2016 why is the flag backwards admin march 11, 2016 uncategorized im sure you have seen the american flag displayed backwards in many places, like on cars, airplanes, and most notably on the right shoulder of soldiers uniform. Nov 16, 2018 chiefs uniform kansas city what does the black and white us flag with one purple stripe american usa flag etiquetteread more black and gray american flag patch meaning. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. 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 american flag patch and the uniform of the capitol region emergency services team crest in connecticut one. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
It is not backward it is only orienting the flag to its natural position in movement. As one person wrote, the backwards flag is no silly affectation. 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. 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. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see. Aug 29, 2018 5 myths about the american flag what does it mean if the us flag is upside down quora upside downread more what does a backwards black and white american flag mean. Army regulations call for the flag to be worn so that to observers, it looks as if the flag is flying against a breeze. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and.
Mar 27, 2019 have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. Dec, 2014 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. We easily have at least 30 different sizes and colors of embroidered american flags. 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. What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and black. The flag is worn on the right shoulder, because, in the military, the place of honor is to a military members right. The american flag is presewn on all cub scout, boy scout and venturing uniform shirts, meaning its correctly placed when you buy it. That soldier is fighting for our freedom, and the stars always lead the way. Dec 31, 20 many will tell you that an upside down american flag means the country is in distress. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette. Therefore reverse flag patches are not properly displaying the flag. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military.
This is why the flag is reversed on military uniforms. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery. The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. The only time the us flag is shown backward appropriately is on some us army uniforms because of a very old military tradition that says the star field has to always be in the highest position of honor. For the right shoulder, the flag only appears backward. The position of the american flag in this manner is crucial.
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 power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Buy full color reverse american flag patch military standard with hook. According to united states army regulations, the fullcolor us flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward. 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. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. There are many military traditions and symbols of which large portions of society do not know the meaning. This is why the american flag patch reversed on military. 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. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and organizational. Heres why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms.
And thats why soldiers wear the flag patches on the right shoulder backward. It follows how patches on us army uniforms are oriented. Many combat veterans still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks. Flag patches shop embroidered flag patches thecheapplace. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Traditionally, the right shoulder of a uniform is the place of honor. Why do military and law enforcement personel wear a backwards. The power and politics of flags, explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be. No, the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code.
The flag is placed on the right shoulder because the right is the traditional place of honor. The us flag code allows this use of the flag in situations of dire distress, but the intention was distress as in immediate danger to life and limb, such as your ship is sinking at sea, an sos signal. One of the flags will, therefore, be reversed right shoulder in order to adhere to the regulation and custom of having the stars facing forward. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. As the soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold. When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery.
So on the right shoulders of some army uniforms the flag patch is. 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 means that when worn on the left sleeve, the u. Full color reverse american flag patch military standard. Black and gray american flag patch meaning about flag.
Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. Or some weird pride stuff we international folks dont get. Sep 23, 2019 the regulation states that the stars are to face forward. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a. The stars foreward and person being the pole ideas are not mentioned in the flag code, so they are not official policy, and sound to me like rationalizations. The backwards us flag symbolized that fact as we were an armed force at war and a county at war with our us flag flying backwards as we ran forwards to engage the enemy. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia.
The american flag is red white and blue there colors stand true and never run. Although it seems like a mistake, its purposefully worn in this manner to represent forwarding assaults. But then we decided its an opportunity to educate people and answer a common question why is the flag backwards. 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. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation. If the flag patch is being worn on the right shoulder. S american flag patch backwards on its serving military personnel. Following is a quote from the department of defense website. Why does the usa have their flag backwards on their sleeve. Do they have a military significance or something now. Nov 11, 2015 an interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. Many combat veterans still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks, and tshits, etc to let others know they are a combat vet and are proud of that fact. American flags with diffe colored thin stripes for. 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.
When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward. Why is the american flag patch wore backwards answers. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary.
Many still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks, tshits etc. It is part of a wellplanned and coordinated effort to subvert our national sovereignty. I work in a building with alot of military personnel and some law enforcment as well and they wear patches of the american flag on their uniforms. I have noticed this strange thing as well, in respects of military personal wearing there united states flag in reverse on there uniform, i came across some information online of this being noticed as well. Shop top fashion brands decorative patches at free delivery and returns possible on eligible purchases. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. Most of us are familiar with the image of the american flag in what is called a. Why is the american flag patch that soldiers and some law. Aug 18, 2017 a blackandwhite american flag with a thin blue line across its center appeared among the confederate flags toted by the white supremacists and neonazis during the violent protests. Lets take a closer look at the meaning of a backward flag. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard. A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. The field of blue then is located on the flag s own right.
The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. Feb 18, 2015 which branch of the military should i join. Flag patches embroidered flag patches you can sew or iron on to clothes. 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. The tricky part is finding a reverse flag that isnt hook and loop velcro.
Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. Its funny watching all of the ill informed fatties suck this bs up. Decorative patches free delivery possible on eligible purchases. The meaning of this black and white flag is all made up. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. I will not fly any other flag but the true american flag. The american flag patch and the uniform of the capitol region emergency services team crest in connecticut one of the most bad ass swat teams in america. What is the meaning of the american flag with less stars. 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. Both the reversed and the standard edition of us flags are fairly easy to come by the military uses the reverse, whereas civilian agencies use the standard display. 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.
Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. One that many dont know about is the reversal of the u. It is the angles and sides from which the flag can be viewed that dictates how it is displayed. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. Back in the civil war, soldiers would carry the flag while advancing into enemy territory. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. A backward flag is only seen on the right shoulder of the uniformed professional. For anyone wondering about the meaning of a backwards flag, we talk about where.
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. The reason for this is because the stars on the flag should be displayed in high position meaning the stars are always placed so they are in the top left corner when displayed. Black american flag patch meaning about collections. 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. While serving in the us armed forces, i asked one of my fellow service members this very same question. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Like others previously mentioned, it is to simulate the forward motion of the flag if on a staff. 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 is the american flag backwards on uniforms the reverse flag dates back to army s early when both cavalry and infantry units would charge ahead as stars stripes streamed backwards black and white american flag patch meaning about collections u s military uniforms feature the flag which is worn backwards not all patches are reversed only those on. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. Jun 16, 2018 this is a great question and im happy to help out. It is appropriate to wear an american flag patch on the left or right sleeve. March 11, 2014 bryan wendell uniforms 249 if you look at the right sleeve of a boy scout and of a u.
This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. 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. It used to be in the army you wear the reversed us flag patch on your right arm when you deployed to a war zone. As the proponent for standardization and authorization of heraldry items within the department of defense. The us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress.