Civilians often wonder why the us army flag patch is reversed. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia. Why is the american flag reversed on military uniforms. That is why this version of the usa flag patch is worn on the right shoulder, and the traditional american flag patch is worn on the left shoulder so they are both pointing the same direction. High quality reversed american flag patches in a variety of colors for ironing or sewing onto uniforms, backpacks, hats, and more. I currently serve in the army national guard and do not want to look inappropriate. Heres why the us flag sometimes appears backwards national. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king, and you will see. No, its not a very large literally and figuratively nasa snafu. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold. Flag patch olive drab 2 pcs tactical patches of usa us american flag regular and reverse, with hook and loop for backpacks caps hats jackets pants, military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches. Flag patch traditionally, the right shoulder of a uniform. Goruck s reverse flag explained news stories flag of america in black ilration the united goruck s reverse flag explained news stories confederate flag patch black 101 best american flag tattoos patriotic designs ideas. Rothcos 3 x 2 us flag patch can be either sewn or ironed on and comes in both forward facing and reverse facing styles.
Black american flag patch meaning about collections. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to. 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 simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag must always be facing forward. Im a useless info junkie it may look strange at first, but it actually makes sense. Usamm stocks nearly 2,000 military patches, beret flashes, service stripes, ready for shipment within 24 hours of ordering. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors.
For those that dont know the reasons the reverse us flag is. Just like with displaying the flag, there are rules of etiquette for the proper use of american flag patches. Why do some people wear an american flag patch backwards. Includes additional loop field lined sheet for sewing onto clothes or. Well, several years later, ive decided to search for the answer and as it turns out, theres a pretty good reason for it. This cottonpolyester american flag patch is perfect to attaching clothing and gear. Shop embroidered us flag patches, many sizes, small 3 inch, 4 inch or large 10 inch. 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. Our american flag embroidered patches are the highest quality you can buy, period. Flag patches are 3 38 wide by 2 tall, and 100% embroidered with velcro backing. However, i have heard it argued that we should use the reverse flag on our work uniforms. Black and gray american flag patch meaning about flag.
If the normal us flag is worn on the right side, it might be perceived you are retreating backwards like a chump. Reverse gold border american flag embroidered patch. Reverse usa flag patch large maxpedition maxpedition. These high quality patches make a great gift or just a novelty item. Army regulation 6701 outlines the proper placement of american flag patches on authorized uniforms. Lets take a closer look at the meaning of a backward flag. Reversed american flag patch american flag patches. Its funny watching all of the ill informed fatties suck this bs up. 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 is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a. 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 blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor.
My impression has always been that our uniforms should still use a standard flag patch on our right sleeve if a flag is used, and the reverse field flag is only appropriate for the military. American flag patch, tactical military flag patches, american military flag emblem patch. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. 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. In his words, this one had been there and done that. Usa flag color reversed patch united states flag patches. When authorized for application to the proper uniform the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder. I dont know about you, but ive always wondered that. 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. The us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress. Tactical punisher american flag patch, blue lives matter.
Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag. Great for bikers, veterans, military and all around patriots. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. Is it appropriate for me to wear a backwards american.
This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. If the patch is worn on the right shoulder, the stars will be. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. This is the incredible reason why the flag is backwards on. Why do military and law enforcement personel wear a. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. Reversed american flag patch military issue bdu patches stars on the right dimensions. 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. Is it appropriate for me to wear a backwards american flag on a hat. Why the american flags on military uniforms are reversed business. 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. Shop full color reverse us flag, velcro and other name brand u.
Navy photo by lisa lill, naval hospital beaufort public affairs officer released. A lot of people ask, why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. 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. 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. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect. When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of. Just as the us flag dips to no man or king and you will see even at the olympic ceremonies, the american flag is the only one that doesnt dip to the head of state of the host country. Apply your american flag patch iron on or sew on to clothing. 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.
The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. The truth is that the flag patch is only reversed when it is displayed on the right shoulder because the blue field of stars. The regulation states that the stars are to face forward. American flag patches shop us flag patches thecheapplace. Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the american flag on the uniform of the u.
The truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. For anyone wondering about the meaning of a backwards flag, we talk about where. 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. Note the subdued dotm patch on his left shoulder and the subdued reverse american flag on his right shoulder. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms.
The reverse us flag patch is worn on the right shoulder so that the flag is facing behind you and the same direction as the standard flag on the opposite shoulder. 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 reversed american flag patch small embroidered patch measures 3x2 inches. The tricky part is finding a reverse flag that isnt hook and loop velcro. American flags with diffe colored thin stripes for. Order these american flag patches online at elite survival systems.
Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers. Navy announces new patches and insignia for sailors and special operators. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a. These reverse us flag patches are available in full color, coyote tan, or subdued. Army regulation 6701 states, the american flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward. 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. You can order these with or without hook fasteners. Have you ever wondered why the american flag looks backward on military and other uniforms. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. Wanted to know why american flags are reversed on military 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. If the patch is placed on the left shoulder, the stars should be to the left with the stripes going to the right.
And that is the reason why only the flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed photos. If youre an observant visitor, you might have noticed that the american flag on the side of the space shuttle discovery on display at our steven f. Us flag patches reverse orientation usa flag patch velcro hook backing dims. You will see this on police uniforms, military uniforms, and anyone else who knows how to properly wear an american flag patch on their shoulder. Navy announces new patches and insignia for sailors and. I think a more appropriate question regards the origin of the hat and the patch. 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. The american flag is a symbol of freedom and a certain set of values we hold dear as a nation. Youve earned the right to shop tax free and enjoy free shipping. 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.
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