A question about our flag.

[the ringo kid]

I was wondering something about our flag-nothing about its meaning and such--but this:

Im more used to this:

Why reverse it?:

What gives?

 

[therevjay]

The answer I was given by our unit Sgt. Maj before I retired was. It's sewn on that way (backwards) so that it will look as though it is blowing in the wind, going foward.

Yes I know that sounds a bit thin. But arguing with Sargent Majors is counterproductive. (as well as downright stupid)

 

[Gunslinger808]

Shows you're moving forward rather than backward.

 

[DWFAN]

Answer. On the left side it would be going the other way. That was easy. Going forward that would be correct.
DW

 

[rwsmith]

Probably.....

Probably either somebody thinking 'out of the box' to be different or somebody making a statement about the US. I believe the rules of display place the stars to the left, but I'd have to look into this. Of course if the flag is flying there is no back or front.

 

[rags]

Answer. On the left side it would be going the other way. That was easy. Going forward that would be correct.
DW

^^^ This ^^^
But I was told it was how it would look carrying it into battle, which is the same as going forward.

 

[the ringo kid]

Thanks Gents. I also heard something about the stars being closer to the heart.

So if stationary--like pinned to a wall--framed etc--then im assuming that way (stars on the left) still correct?

 

[the ringo kid]

Probably either somebody thinking 'out of the box' to be different or somebody making a statement about the US. I believe the rules of display place the stars to the left, but I'd have to look into this. Of course if the flag is flying there is no back or front.

Two thumbs up--I think this^^^^^ answers the other question I posted.

Thanks y'all.

 

[pineappleshooter]

The answer I was given by our unit Sgt. Maj before I retired was. It's sewn on that way (backwards) so that it will look as though it is blowing in the wind, going foward.

Yes I know that sounds a bit thin. But arguing with Sargent Majors is counterproductive. (as well as downright stupid)

Your Sgt Maj nailed it! I ask a buddy of mine on the Navy's Uniform Board about this and he told me the same thing.

 

[olcop]

Flag Display

Thanks Gents. I also heard something about the stars being closer to the heart.

So if stationary--like pinned to a wall--framed etc--then im assuming that way (stars on the left) still correct?

Not what I was taught, stars are always on the right no matter the type of display, with one exception that I'm aware of: when displayed on a coffin, the stars are on the left, so that when the flag is folded, nothing shows but the stars.
olcop

 

[fire4606]

Stars lead the way, first picture is correct.

 

[flundertaker]

Not what I was taught, stars are always on the right no matter the type of display, with one exception that I'm aware of: when displayed on a coffin, the stars are on the left, so that when the flag is folded, nothing shows but the stars.
olcop

I know a little something about this since I do it almost daily. The field of blue goes over the rear left corner of the casket, or the deceased's left chest and shoulder as they lie in the casket. When properly folded to show an open casket you will see 3 folds and approximately half of the blue field and stars on the top of the casket and the stripes hanging down below and the right of the blue field. When the flag is folded in the triangle shape to be presented to the NOK, yes all you should see is the blue. I have seen a Navy honor guard begin folding from the wrong end (end with field) and when done present the widow with a "candy cane". Pretty embarrassing but once the honor guard left we properly folded the flag and presented it to the wife.

 

[wbraswell]

Does the French army have their flags going backward?

I just had to.

 

[Cpo1944]

I really do not like those velcro patches! They look very untidy and amateurish, not sharp or properly military. Might just as well sport a bunch of "Irish Pennants"!!!

 

[zzzippper]

I'm just an ignorant civilian but I bought them when I deployed because I wanted my uniform to represent the best I could. I thought the stripes forward looked awkward.

 

[olcop]

Flag and Patches

I really do not like those velcro patches! They look very untidy and amateurish, not sharp or properly military. Might just as well sport a bunch of "Irish Pennants"!!!

They are made that way to be removable, it's better if your enemy doesn't know anyone's rank, as they will concentrate on taking them out first, result--no leadership in the field.
olcop

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I remember in the late 70's or early 80's, when the regulations were changed. American Agragit and Anderson Concrete "grounded" all of their trucks until the new correct flags could be installed. Their pride and dedication to our country wouldn't allow them to use the wrong flag. Ivan

 

[Gunslinger808]

Does the French army have their flags going backward?

I just had to.

White on White, how can you tell?

ETA:

I know a little something about this since I do it almost daily.

Thank you flundertaker, it's a hard job you do.

 

[Edmo]

All of the years I wore one on my flight suit in the USAF it was on the left shoulder (opposite side from the Army guys) and the the blue field and stars were to the front.

Same reason... You were moving forward.

Edmo

 

[pineappleshooter]

Does the French army have their flags going backward?

I just had to.

Probably so, I can get you a good deal on some surplus French military rifles, never fired, only dropped once!

 

[jtpur]

If the flag was attached to a guide on and you moved,forard into,battle, the blue filed would be forward. It represents that we always go forward. The Sergeant Major had it correct.

 

[kozmic]

Thanks for "raising" the flag question kid! I learn sumthin' new here everyday. If I'd just seen the flag worn like that, I'd have thought the person to be totally disrespectful.

Great answers guys!

 

[rolomac]

Harking back to my boy scout days - the rule was that when the flag is displayed the stars are on the flag's own right side. To me when I see the opposite it is just plain wrong. One of many things I still remember from scouts in the 1950s when it was a meaningful organization.

rolomac

 

[hudsonvalley]

Think of the way a flag would look if you were charging into battle...either on foot or mounted...as in cavalry....it would blow in that direction...ever forward...

 

[Harkrader]

"velcro patches"
Flying in the Southeast Asian War Games of the '60s and '70s we kept all our insignia of any kind readily removable or disposable. Helped reduce our visibility if cavorting through the greenery. Also intended to withhold info from the enemy if we were spotted or captured. In retrospect, if I had been captured, just who ELSE might the NVA have thought I was?

 

[handejector]

The answer I was given by our unit Sgt. Maj before I retired was. It's sewn on that way (backwards) so that it will look as though it is blowing in the wind, going foward.

I recently asked a young Army officer the same question about one of his flags being backwards, and he had the same answer- "Always moving forward."

So if stationary--like pinned to a wall--framed etc--then im assuming that way (stars on the left) still correct?

CORRECT.

But, don't take my word for it-
Go to-
Flag Code

and you can read-

United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag

§7. Position and manner of display

i When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

 

[WuzzFuzz]

To muddy the waters a bit...Other than a actual flag being unfurled, would not a flag being viewed on a shoulder patch come under the same chararistics as a viewed flag..on a wall or as viewed in a window.I.E. To the viewers left.....The Union or blue field to the left of the observer????

On a shoulder patch, which is not a actual flag, it is being observed, by you and I as an observer????????????

As for the interpretation of the flag going forward, would it be just that? A interpretation, but it would not be according Code?


I don't know...But from what you wrote Lee, it just got me to thinking...

I know...go to my corner and keep quiet.........


WuzzFuzz

 

[Rastoff]

I don't claim to know the regs by heart, but this is a quick way to know what's right...

...union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right,...

Think of the US Flag as a living entity. All of the display instructions are given from the flag's own perspective. This is why the flag is displayed backward on a coffin/casket, the flag is facing the deceased.

To muddy the waters a bit...Other than a actual flag being unfurled, would not a flag being viewed on a shoulder patch come under the same chararistics as a viewed flag..on a wall or as viewed in a window.I.E. To the viewers left.....The Union or blue field to the left of the observer????

Yep, this does muddy the waters a bit, but they are easily cleared up. The answer, which I'm sure some won't like, is that both are correct.

WuzzFuzz, your observation is correct. So, wearing the flag on the right shoulder with the stars on the left, is the correct way to display a static flag on a wall. However, the idea of moving forward is also correct. Since the soldier is a moving entity, I like it with the union forward.

This question comes up a lot. The US Air Force decided to keep the US Flag patch on the left shoulder to avoid the conflict. As far as I know, only the Army wears it on the right shoulder.

 

[WuzzFuzz]

Rastoff, To be nit picky then, would wearing a patch with the flag with the blue field, Union to the forward, be according to Code that Lee has quoted?

Where does the IDEA of moving forward come from? Is it in the code somewhere? I don't know....

As far as I know only the Army wears it on the right shoulder. That figures!!!!!!


I'm learning, I'm learning.......


WuzzFuzz

 

[the ringo kid]

To muddy the waters a bit...Other than a actual flag being unfurled, would not a flag being viewed on a shoulder patch come under the same chararistics as a viewed flag..on a wall or as viewed in a window.I.E. To the viewers left.....The Union or blue field to the left of the observer????

On a shoulder patch, which is not a actual flag, it is being observed, by you and I as an observer????????????

As for the interpretation of the flag going forward, would it be just that? A interpretation, but it would not be according Code?


I don't know...But from what you wrote Lee, it just got me to thinking...

I know...go to my corner and keep quiet.........


WuzzFuzz

See? thats what I always kind of thought--not knowing much about code. On my uniforms, the flags were supposed to be worn this way-which was how everyone did: