Backward American Flag Patches

[HfdWolfPack]

While watching BlackhawkDown, I noticed something that seemed strange.Why is the American flag patch on their uniforms backwards?

i.e. the stars are on the upper-right corner


I could have sworn I have seen it like that somewhere else also.

[Thud]

Why is the flag sometimes backwards on the side of airplanes, buses, and military uniforms?
The flag decals have the union (the blue area with the stars) on the side closer to the front of the plane. On the plane's left, the decal shows the flag with the union at the left, as usual. On the plane's right side, the union is on the right. This is done so that the flag looks as if it is blowing in the wind created by the forward movement of the ship or airplane. You can see this on cars and trucks as well. Click to see pictures of the flag decals on Air Force 1. There are two separate flag patches in the Army inventory: the normal U.S. flag replica that is worn on the left sleeve, and what is referred to as the "reversed field" flag patch, which is worn on the right sleeve.

From here: http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html


I guess the same reasoning applies whether it's on an aircraft or on a uniform. Also, I've never seen any US troops wearing them on the left sleeve, only the right.

[HfdWolfPack]

I get it.........cool thanks

[Martoch]

It's not just in the movies either, when I was stationed in Kuwait the Army was wearing the "reverse style" patches. Nice link Thud!

[piyopiyo13]

Yeah! Some really interesting facts... it says that old flags should be disposed of in "dignified" ways... like "burning them." I always thought burning a flag was a display of hatred...

[Martoch]

Originally posted by piyopiyo13
I always thought burning a flag was a display of hatred...

Depends on how/why it is done.
Example: I say "Nice shoes".
I can either be making fun of your shoes or really meaning that I like your shoes. The situation dictates the meaning.

Hope I don't sound too philosophical!

[SickPup404]

Another good source:
http://www.legion.org/our_flag/of_faq_flag.htm

A good highlight:

Q: Can a flag that has been used to cover a casket be displayed after its original use?

A: There are no provisions in the Flag Code to suggest otherwise. It would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased veteran and their service to a grateful nation if their casket flag were displayed.

[fritz the cat]

Originally posted by piyopiyo13
Yeah! I always thought burning a flag was a display of hatred...

There is a special ceremony for the proper disposal of the Flag by burning. Ask a Boy Scout. Its in his handbook.

[Gomer]

piyopiyo13:
The only time it is proper to burn a flag in hatred is when it is yellow and blue =Þ

[CERuppel]

Here are a couple of thoughts regarding flags that i have picked up over the years...

Displaying the national flag upside down, or under another flag (state, military branch...) is used as a ditress signal. Or to warn off due to disease...

Before burning a flag it should be disassembled, the stitching removed to leave you with a pile of cloth scraps.

Flags are only the symbol for nations, not the actual item we honor. Respect the flag as if it were your nation.

Flags of other countries displayed inside one nations borders should not share the pole with the home nations flag, and should be flown at a lower hieght.