However, when the flag is displayed as a patch on the right shoulder of a military, police, or fire. 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 gives the effect of the flag flying in. Shop top fashion brands decorative patches at free delivery and returns possible on eligible purchases. The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars. Free shipping on many items browse your favorite brands affordable prices. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. On an arm patch, you are looking at it differently, and when the soldier or marine marches forward, the u. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. The flag is a living and breathing part of the united states.
The stars on the flag are supposed to be next to the flag pole. 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. When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette. Jason as a former sf medic and weapons guy, i get where you are coming from with the reversed flag, but it is to be worn on the right side sleeve only per regulations. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. The flag must always be positioned to look like it is flying forward, so its really all about. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. As the soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back. Why are american flag patches worn backwards on military.
When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. And the flag is not made backwards, if its worn on the right arm its in reverse view. When wearing the flag on your right shoulder, it is backwards because the stars are always closest to the persons heart. 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. 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.
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. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. 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 decision as to the sleeve on which the patch is to be worn is left to the judgment of the individual, post or color guard involved. By resolution, the flag patch, when placed on an american legion uniform, may be placed at the shoulder of either sleeve as long as the blue field is forward. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia.
The one rule for wearing a flag is that if placed on the sleeves as it typically would be, it should be placed with t. The star field is always to be displayed on the flags own right. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. By this logic it is actually most city fireman and mall security who have the flag backwards on their right shoulder since they buy the standard left shoulder patch and put in on the wrong side. This is a machine embroidery design digital patternfile to be used with your embroidery machine.
The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying. Basically, the idea behind the backwards american flag on army. 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. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. On a flagpole, facing forward puts the stars on the left side next to the pole. A backward flag is only seen on the right shoulder of the uniformed professional. Meaning, the patch should either be on the opposite arm, or it should be a reverse printed patch.
The united states flag manual from the military salute project shows the american flag patch displayed with the canton always facing the viewers left on vests, jackets and jacket sleeves except. On a military uniform arm patch worn by a soldier, the u. If the american flag is worn on the left arm, the american flag appears normal with the stars on. 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 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. Does anyone else notice that all the american flag patches on the hawkins pd uniforms are backwards. Learn why the flag is worn backward on army uniforms, what it means, and how this. And your correct its a patch not a flag, so how its displayed on the uniform becomes interpretive, and thats why they call this a debate. Army regulation 6701 addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u. This is a digital download of the image listed here. The black color i dont know, but on a right arm or sleeve it is shown that way as if the wearer is moving forward, and the flag is blown backwards as if blowing in the wind. The army actually has two authorized flag patches, one to be worn on the. When worn on the left side, the flag is in the normal position because the stars are closest to your heart. The flag code does not specify how a flag patch should be positioned.
What does an american flag stand for if it is reversed and. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed. American flag patch, embroidered with vinyl backing. For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies. You must have an embroidery machine to work with these files. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery.
Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. It symbolizes that the american military always moves forward and does not retreat. 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. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. If its on the left sleeve, then it would face forward. I believe this was started by the us army because our unit patch was sewn onto the left shoulder of our uniform. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and organizational. Army regulation 6701, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, updated most recently september 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the u.
Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. On other military uniforms, youll see whats called the reverse side flag on the right sleeve. The only time that isnt the case is when she is flown upside down, as others have mentioned, as a sign of distress, as a distress call, or when it is a right shoulder patch, with the star field on the flags own left but towards the forward of the wearer. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and.
Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us. March 11, 2014 bryan wendell uniforms 249 if you look at the right sleeve of a boy scout and of a u. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Top quality american flag patch with detailed embroidery. 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. Additionally, no emblem, name or patch shall be worn above the flag patch on the same sleeve. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right. They also covered with the gas bassard, but they used it, as the other 502nd from lillymans group. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch. The difference is the arm that the flag is worn on. The place of honor for the american flag is always to the right of other. With the american flag being reversed, the stars are on the righthand side of their patch, facing.
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. This is why us flag is reversed 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. American flag on army uniforms is to make it look as though the flag is. 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. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers.
Usa flag left arm rubber velcro patch by hazard 4r by. Reversed american flag machine embroidery design right arm. 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 it comes to the meaning of a backward flag, this is one of those many.
This is a sign of respect to the flag, not a sign of disrespect to others. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. Do you think this is a costume screw up, or intentional. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag. The place of honor in the military is to the right. That position has always been the right shoulder with the. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed.
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