it doesn't make sense to me why they would have the flag backwards on a military uniform. i've asked a couple of servicemen and no one seems to know.
2006-12-11 12:49:51 · 11 answers · asked by Karen B 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I was told once by a miltary vet that it was to simulate the waving of the flag, as if they were walking forward carrying the flag.
The flag is worn on the right shoulder, because, in the military, the "place of honor" is to a military member's right.
The full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. 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 rule dates back to the Army's early history, when both mounted cavalry and infantry units would designate a standard bearer, who carried the Colors into battle. As he charged, his forward momentum caused the flag to stream back. Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left.
2006-12-11 12:52:19 · answer #1 · answered by George 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
This is a Frequently Asked Question. It's not backwards. Think about it -- a real flag has two sides. If you were carrying a flag on a pole, and people looked at it from one side, the pole would be on the left edge -- but from the other side, the pole would be on the right edge. In either case, the the area attached to the pole would be in front, with the flag waving behind if the person were moving. Flag patches on uniforms use this visual imagery, so that the flag appears as it would as if the person were walking and carrying it on a pole.
2016-05-23 07:14:06 · answer #2 · answered by Sharon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay first of all imagine a flag being carried on a pole forward into battle, the flag would be backwards. The flag on the sleeve of the uniform is to symbolize that the U.S.Military never retreats, but instead is always moving forward.
2006-12-11 17:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by PVT. Meek MP U.S.Army Reserve 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The flags you have seen were on the right shoulder..the blue field is towards the front, much like the flag would be if it were held, while moving forward. It has been policy to reverse the flag to produce this effect. If the flag is seen on the left side of something...it would be seen the normal way.
2006-12-11 13:03:52 · answer #4 · answered by chris f 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Imagine a flag flying. On one side the flag looks normal, but the other side looks backwards. Now, if the flag were on the other arm it would look normal, but their regiement badge is on that arm. The flag goes on the other arm and it flies that way because our flag never retreats. It constantly goes forward.
2006-12-11 12:55:56 · answer #5 · answered by jay r 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Us Flag on the uniform is worn "backward" so that it is always going forward as opposed to retreating.
2006-12-11 12:55:37 · answer #6 · answered by Don H 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Because when going into battle the field of stars should go first. If it was the other way around it would symbolize retreating. By the way I hope those servicemen aren't going before the promotion board anytime soon because that can be one of the questions!
2006-12-11 12:55:56 · answer #7 · answered by . 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
the army is the only branch who displays the american flag on its uniform, its not backwards...the stars are in front, heading into the fight. or flying into the wind.
2006-12-11 12:58:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it represents if they were carrying an actual flag in their hands, the flag would be flying that way in the wind.
2006-12-11 12:54:01 · answer #9 · answered by Pamela K 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It means I'm coming home from war.
2006-12-11 14:01:28 · answer #10 · answered by SSDD 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋