On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch reversed. 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. 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. 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. Tg american flag reversed patch tactical gear superstore. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms business. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and. Mar 27, 2019 have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. Flag patches embroidered flag patches you can sew or iron on to clothes.
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 stars appear on the left side of the flag, where we usually see them. Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us flag. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. Includes us flags with black, yellow, gray or white borders. Get the best deals on reverse american flag patch in other original current military patches when you shop the largest online selection at.
Origins of the backwards american flag patch on us military uniforms. 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. 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 american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flags own right. Ir patches brightly reflect infrared light to provide covert combat. Reverse american flag patches stickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning. No, the backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code. Buy american flag embroidered patch reverse gold border united states ironon emblem. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. This patch features the reversed american flag in nir reflective black and white. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on.
Shop top fashion brands decorative patches at free delivery and returns possible on eligible purchases. 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. Lets take a closer look at the meaning of a backward flag. Look down below at that picture of two brave soldiers. Heres why the american flag is put on backwards on u. Dec 21, 2006 why is the american flag patch that soldiers and some law enforcement officers wear in reverse. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch. Besides the feature of the american flag backward on military uniforms, usflagged aircraft and vehicles marked with the american flag are both no different from the uniforms. That soldier is fighting for our freedom, and the stars always lead the way. According to various reports, the american flag is worn backwards on u.
The power and politics of flags explains why american flags are reversed on military uniforms. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars. American flag wwhite border 3 12 usa patriotic iron on embroidered patch. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. The tricky part is finding a reverse flag that isnt hook and loop velcro. Its not really backwards, it is the reverse side of the flag. 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.
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. 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. Is the american flag backwards on the side of space shuttle discovery. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. Sep 23, 2019 american military uniforms feature the u. This statement in the army regulations appears to be the only written description of how a patch of the flag should be worn, which makes. The gold trimmed american patches feature the traditional red, white, and blue flag that can be used on every day and official uniforms.
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. My girlfriend is in the army and i was wondering if it would be disrespectful or discouraged if i were to place a reverse american flag patch on my backpack before i go back to school. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms. Ir reversed american flag patch night vision patch kellac. Both featuring a flag that is reversed the two vehicles are seen to be displayed with backward american flags for the same reason of the uniforms. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. The us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag s blue stars facing forward. If you wear the flag patch anywhere else, it can be seen as a display of disrespect. Flag patches shop embroidered flag patches thecheapplace.
Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on military. First, youve got the common misperception that the reversed flag is the military version, as ive heard it called by civilians. For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies. It is designed to be sewn on for permanent attachment to your uniforms, caps, bags, or other gear. Why is the american flag patch that soldiers and some law enforcement officers wear in reverse. American flag patches shop us flag patches thecheapplace. As a civilian, you should still wear the flag patch on the arm of the shirt in the same manner as soldiers and other military personnel. The army reasons that with the flag patch worn that way, it resembles a flying flag. During the civil war, at least one soldier would be responsible for carrying the flag when. The next time you see a soldier wearing that backwards american flag, think of it as a reminder of that persons bravery.
On an arm patch, you are looking at it differently, and when the soldier, or marine, or whatever, marches forward, the us flag most face forward. While the boy scouts flag has the blue field of stars at the top left, the soldiers flag is a reversefield flag. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. 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. Why is the american flag patch that soldiers and some law. Shop our selection of embroidered iron on flag patches. This is a sign of respect to the flag, not a sign of disrespect to others. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. Oct 01, 2018 if youve ever seen a service member or veteran wearing a military uniform, you may have noticed that it features the american flag patch backward. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the. Why is the american flag backward on military uniforms. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. 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 american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold. Why is american flag backwards on soldiers uniform answers. Mar 11, 2014 this backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Proudly display your patriotism with the tg american flag patch, the perfect way to honor the united states. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. Army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a. 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. As the soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back. On modern us army uniforms soldiers wear the us flag patch.
Each of these patches also has a reversed style, with the flag pattern faces opposite sides. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on. Each of these patches also has a reversed style, with the flag. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. Mar 27, 2018 whoever was in charge of making the outfits really messed up. Is it disrespectful for a civilian to wear an american. The stars appear on the right side of the flag, not the left. May 01, 2010 as others have said, the flag isnt backwards if you figure that flags have two sides. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u. The flag should be on the right or left shoulder so long as it faces forward.
The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. For anyone wondering about the meaning of a backwards flag, we talk about where. This reversed american flag patch is fully embroidered in desert colors. 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. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag pole. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Is it acceptable to wear a reverse flag patch as a civilian. This backwards flag patch stands for the opposite of what america represents, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It is not backward it is only orienting the flag to its natural position in movement. 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. It flies higher than all of the other flags in the united states.
Instead, there is deep meaning behind this alignment. Tactical patches of american flag reverse, with hook and loop for backpacks caps hats jackets pants, usa us military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches. The rule dates back to the armys early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag into battle. The flag of the united states of america has many rules and etiquette in how it.
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. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. The one on the left is wearing a backward american flag patch. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. 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. Heres why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Reverse american flag patchesstickers represent the opposite symbolic meaning.
Even at the olympics, the american flag is the only one that doesnt dip to the head of state of the host country. The silver option doesnt use the white but instead incorporates silver as the bars and stars. Apr 14, 2015 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. Weve got plenty of 3x2 inch flags including reflective versions as well. 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. 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 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. Ive always wondered why the military wore the flag patch the way they do. This is why us flag is reversed on military uniforms. Full color options are available for wear on military uniforms during garrison duty, along with a subdued olive patch to be worn while on deployment or in field situations. 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. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left.
The first thing to keep in mind about how to wear american flag patches on clothing is the placement. 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. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. Mar 11, 2014 if you look at the right sleeve of a boy scout and of a u. But the soldier on the right is wearing a normal american flag patch. Reverse american flag patch in other original current. American flag embroidered patch reverse gold border united. The flag is worn on the right shoulder as a position of honor.
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. On the issue of the clothing, the section requires that the american flag patch should always be on the right of the flag. Oct 10, 2017 when authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder. We carry a wide variety of flags but one flag we carry many different sizes and colors of and thats the american flag patches. 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. The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. 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. Jun 24, 2017 tim marshall, the author of worth dying for. Nov 11, 2015 why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms.
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. This patch is designed to be worn on the right shoulder so that the flag always shows facing forward. Comes with velcro hook backing for quick and easy attachment and detachment. We also do have many other graphical patches of eagles and more which are embroidered in us flag.
The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. Army regulation 6701 specifically says that in military uniforms the american flag should be displayed so that the stars are at the highest point of the uniform. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer s right, and. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. In reality, its position hearkens back to the civil war, and the.
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