On which shoulder does the patch rest? Military left and civilian right? The flag on either shoulder must fly forward, the union (stars) flying forward as in going into battle? I just was apprised of differences. Most civilian flag patches rest on the right shoulder, military on the left. Something to do with the shield arm being the left and unlikely to be cut off as the right sword arm being more likely to be severed. TIA. And I am glad to be a new member of this site. JP Last edited by a moderator: Jan 23, 2007 I too would appreciate a reply to this question. My son's soccer team is playing in a French tournament this summer. We will be the only team representing the United States and would like to show our American pride. An advanced thank you to all who comment. The FAQ on the Army Institute of Heraldry website says the following about this issue: The US [ Flag] Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes would run horizontally toward the back. When worn on the right sleeve, it is considered proper to reverse the design so that the union is at the observer’s right to suggest that the flag is flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. Since the law does not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. As many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag, you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney’s office regarding this matter. For practical purposes, then, the decision is up to you. The Army wears the patches on their right sleeves, but either side is OK. Regards, Peter Ansoff yeah thats why they have a 'backwards' flag on aeroplanes.
Q1: What U. S. Code governs the National Flag? Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code governs the use/display of the National Flag for federal agencies and provides guidance for others. It should be noted that each state Attorney General has the responsibility to set flag policy, including the National flag, for their respective states. Q2: What is the proper manner for display of the flag after sundown? Section 6(a Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code states that the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Q3: How do you dispose of a torn, soiled or damaged flag? Section 8(k Chapter 1, Title 4, United States Code states the flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Q4: What is an Interment Flag? Interment flags are provided by the United States Government and used to cover the caskets of deceased military personnel. They are identical in color and pattern to all other National flags and are 5' hoist by 9'6 fly. Q5: What is the Gold Star Mother's Flag? This is an unofficial term referring to the gold star version of the Service Flag. Q6: How should the American Flag patch be worn? The U. S. Code states no part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. The U. S. Code does not address the positioning of the flag patch. It is appropriate to wear an American flag patch on the left or right sleeve. When worn on the left sleeve, the union would appear towards the front and the stripes.
+108-10 You may have noticed the American flag worn backwards on different military uniforms, but do you know why they do this? We did a little digging to find out. Civilians often wonder why the American Flag on military uniforms are worn ‘backwards.’ Some speculate that it represents the U. S. military is always moving forwards, others speculate it symbolizes the flag always points home. However, 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. 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 ‘reverse side flag’.” The same can be said about American aircrafts, both planes and space shuttles. The next time you are at an airport, pay close attention to American jetliners and how the flag is displayed. 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 backwards on one side of the plane. Source.
Download Now