This Is The Reason Why The Flag Is Backward On American Military Uniforms

Have you ever wondered why the Military uniforms always have the flag patch sewn on backward? It appears reversed when viewed from the right side, and there's a fascinating symbolic reason for that.

#1 Why Is The Flag Backward?

You may have noticed the American Flag worn backward on different military uniforms, but do you know why they do this? We did a little digging to find out.

#2 Symbolic Traditions

The military is steeped in traditions dating as far back as the country is old. It's full of symbols and things that need to be done in a certain way, sometimes without anyone understanding why. For example, the way they fold the American flag and the way military decorations must be displayed.

#3 People Speculate

Some civilians speculate that the flag is worn in reverse because it represents the U.S. military is always moving forwards, others speculate it symbolizes the flag always points home.

#4 There's A Code For That

According to Army regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, the regulation states when authorized for application to the proper uniform, the U.S. flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag's own right.

#5 Flags Must Face Forward

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. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the âÂ€Â˜reverse side flag'.

#6 The Answer Is Blowin' In The Wind

What it basically means is that no matter what side of the soldier you are looking at, the American Flag will always have the appearance of a flag blowing gently in the wind. The flag patch is meant to symbolize a real flag the way it would appear if being carried into a battle.

#7 It's An Old Tradition

The United States of America is the only country to wear their flag in the mirrored position. This dates as far back as the 1860s. And, it's not just of the patches worn on the sleeves of our fighting men and women either.

#8 US Airplanes And Shuttles Do The Same Thing

The next time you are at an airport, pay close attention to American jetliners and how the flag is displayed. They are the same as the emblems worn on military uniforms. The star field is positioned in a way as if it were flying with the airplane, thus causing the flag to look as though it is flying backward on one side of the plane.

Categories

More