Backwards american flag patch

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. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. 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. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is.

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 the american flag is reversed on military uniforms business. Nov 11, 2015 an interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch. Even at the olympics, the american flag is the only one that doesnt dip to the head of state of the host country. Think of it, not as a patch, but rather as a loose flag attached to a soldiers arm, as if it was a flag pole. The only time you should see a backward or reverse flag is on the uniform of a military professional as an arm patch worn on their sleeve. Gorucks reverse flag explained respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. 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. Therefore, the flag is worn on the right shoulder, and wearing it backward gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. Of course, the flag also flies the normal way when carried in such a manner from the other perspective or vantage point. When it comes to the meaning of a backward flag, this is one of those many things that may be well known to a tactical professional yet a mystery to a civilian.

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. It flies higher than all of the other flags in the united states. Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward.

Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. I have seen it on nfl and mlb teams and some police uniforms. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery. 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 tricky part is finding a reverse flag that isnt hook and loop velcro.

We all know by now that if an american flag patch or decal applied to the right sleeve or the right side of an object should always have the blue field facing forward, even if it makes the flag look backwards, because thats how the flag would look from that side when advancing forward. As others have said, the flag isnt backwards if you figure that flags have two sides. As the soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back. An interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with the stars facing forward. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The army actually has two authorized flag patches, one to be worn on the left shoulder, with the canton facing left, and another reverse field patch worn on the right, with the canton facing right. 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.

The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag carried by a soldier who is moving. 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 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. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Why is the american flag patch wore backwards answers. Look down below at that picture of two brave soldiers. Actually, the flag patch is worn backwards to give others the same impression it did when it was first carried into battle. It is section 1 of title 4 of the united states code 4 u. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. On us army uniforms the acu is the current uniform being worn in the army, although the guidelines for which patches go on which shoulder also apply to the old bcus and dcus, the soldiers unit patch goes on their left shoulder, and the american flag goes on their rightand underneath it, combat patches.

For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies. Black and white american flag 5 myths about the american flag rules for displaying the american flag flag sometimes earsread more what does a backwards black and white american flag mean about flag collections. Oct 10, 2017 the subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. 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. The us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress. Now that we know where to find a backward flag, lets talk about why it is backward and how that is not a show of disrespect as you may suspect. 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. But the soldier on the right is wearing a normal american flag patch. Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature the u. The flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces forward. Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us flag.

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. Im a useless info junkie it may look strange at first, but it actually makes sense. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. Mar 27, 2019 army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with the stars facing forward. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. However, the reason the us flag was reversed was because it was to symbolize the us flag as it would naturally wave as we moved forward into battle.

The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. Army regulation 6701 wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia requires service members to wear their american flag patch with. Why is the flag backwards on military uniforms and planes. And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. 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.

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. That soldier is fighting for our freedom, and the stars always lead the way. Black and white american flag patch meaning about collections. The reversed american flag patch small embroidered patch measures 3x2 inches. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. This is a sign of respect to the flag, not a sign of disrespect to others. May 01, 2010 as others have said, the flag isnt backwards if you figure that flags have two sides. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms.

In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the standard. 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 worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect. 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. Mar 23, 2018 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. Aug 29, 2018 black and white american flag 5 myths about the american flag rules for displaying the american flag flag sometimes earsread more what does a backwards black and white american flag mean. The one on the left is wearing a backward american flag patch. 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. The united states military wears the flag patch backward on the right sleeve to signify how the flag flies against the wind when carried into battle and charging the enemy. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. Following is a quote from the department of defense website. The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag pole.

When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and. In other countries and places, local etiquette applies. The subdued tactical flag worn on deployments or in the field features muted colors. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. Many still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks, tshits etc. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery.

The momentum of the flag bearer would leave the flag streaming behind, appearing backwards to enemies, or anyone else close enough to catch a glimpse. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Why are american flag patches on law enforcementmilitary. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. 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.

The meaning of a backwards flag as a tactical professional, you are well aware that your profession has its own unique set of codes and language which can easily confuse a civilian. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. 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. The stars appear on the right side of the flag, not the left.

Feb 18, 2015 why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Ogrmar tactica american flag embroidered patch usa united states of america military uniform emblem pack of 2 grey and red 4. Reverse american flag patchesstickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning the scouts of all people should know about patch design where are your morals. It is not backward it is only orienting the flag to its natural position in movement. 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. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. The power and politics of flags, explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. 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.

The united states flag code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the flag of the united states. 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. Usa flag patch is 3 38 inches wide x 2inches tall reversed top quality american flag patch with detailed embroidery perfect for jeans, jackets, vests, military, backpacks, scrapbooking and more. That is a very good question with an interesting background. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. Reversed american flag patch american flag patches. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. Since the stars and stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section of the flag stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at. For anyone wondering about the meaning of a backwards flag, we talk about where. The official reason for the backwards american flag. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms. 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.

Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. 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. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean.

A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. No, the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. 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. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold.