The way the flag patch is worn can help you tell the difference between civilian and military officials. But then we decided its an opportunity to educate people and answer a common question why is the flag backwards. Although it seems like a mistake, its purposefully worn in this manner to represent forwarding assaults. Many still wear the us flag in the reverse on hats, backpacks, tshits etc. The stars appear on the left side of the flag, where we usuallysee them. 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. 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. Infrared ir reflective patches all our ir patches are 100% american made we have military patches, reflective military patches, infrared reflective military patches, and nonfabric glotape military patches. Reverse american flag patch in other original current. 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. An interview i did with my father about why the american is worn backwards and why its important.
This reversed american flag patch is fully embroidered in desert colors. Flag patches shop embroidered flag patches thecheapplace. Each patch is made from heavy duty pvc for to withstand all environments. 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 rule dates back to the armys early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the flag.
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. We carry a wide variety of flags but one flag we carry many different sizes and colors of and thats the american flag patches. The reason for this is because the stars on the flag should be displayed in high position meaning the stars are always placed. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags. Forward and reverse facing american flag patches are sized to be worn on your uniform or blasting cap. The one on the left is wearing a backward american flag patch. The simple reason for this is that tradition dictates the flag. American flag the truth is that only those american flag patches worn on the right shoulder appear reversed. The silver option doesnt use the white but instead incorporates silver as the bars and stars. Proudly display your patriotism with the tg american flag patch, the perfect way to honor the united states. What does a backwards black and white american flag mean. 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.
Flag patches, us flag patches, american flag patches, us. This reversed american flag patch is fully embroidered in full color. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. Tg american flag reversed patch tactical gear superstore. 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.
A backward flag is only seen on the right shoulder of the uniformed professional. Why is the american flag worn backwards on soldiers uniforms. Full color options are available for wear on military uniforms during garrison duty, along with a subdued olive patch. What does it mean when an americn flag patch is reversed. Infrared ir reflective patches empire tactical usa.
As the soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back. 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. To clarify, only the united states flag patches worn on the right shoulder are reversed. Why is the american flag backwards on uniforms the reverse flag dates back to army s early when both cavalry and infantry units would charge ahead as stars stripes streamed backwards. When that soldier moves forward, the stripes will flow to the back and the blue field will face forward. This is why the american flag patch is reversed on. Respect for the flag in the military is implicit and absolute. 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. For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies. The american flag patch and the uniform of the capitol region emergency services. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flags blue stars facing forward. The gold trimmed american patches feature the traditional red, white, and blue flag that can be used on every day and official uniforms. This patch is designed to be worn on the right shoulder so that the flag always shows facing forward. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observers right, and gives the effect of the flag flying.
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. Why is the flag patch backwards on military uniforms. Choose between 24 us embroidered flag patch designs, rectangle american flag patches, shield us flag patches, and other popular us flag patch designs. Why the american flag is reversed on military uniforms. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Includes us flags with black, yellow, gray or white borders.
Shop our selection of embroidered iron on flag patches. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag. American flag patches range in size up to the large embroidered 8 x 12 patch. Tactical patches of usa us american flag reverse, with hook and loop for backpacks caps hats jackets pants, military army uniform emblems, size 3x2 inches 4. 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. The stars appear on the right side of the flag, not the left. Reversed american flag patch full colorhook back kellac. Why do soldiers wear a backwards american flag patch. The us flag, or any flag i think, flown upside down is a universal sign of distress. Army, authorized under regulation 6701 the wearing of a reversed american flag patch on utility and. Get the best deals on american flag patch and find everything youll need to make your crafting ideas come to life with. Why is the us flag reversed when its on an arm patch of a us military. 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. 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 3.
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. 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. Each of these patches also has a reversed style, with the flag. And thats why soldiers wear the flag patches on the right shoulder backward. Back in the civil war, soldiers would carry the flag. We easily have at least 30 different sizes and colors of embroidered american. We also do have many other graphical patches of eagles and more which are embroidered in us flag.
For the right shoulder, the flag only appears backward. Think of the flag, not as a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the soldiers arm like a flag pole. Weve got plenty of 3x2 inch flags including reflective versions as well. But the soldier on the right is wearing a normal american flag patch. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in. It is designed to be sewn on for permanent attachment to your uniforms, caps, bags, or other gear. 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. Army regulations call for the flag to be worn so that to observers, it looks as if the flag. 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. The meaning of a backwards flag tactical distributors. The backwards flag is actually part of the us flag code, which applies to spacecraft, aircraft, and even service members uniform insignia.