If you’ve ever wondered why the American flag is occasionally shown backwards on a uniform, there’s a very unique explanation.
The US flag has long been used to display the country and its states, but unless you looked closely, you might not have noticed this small element.
From the military to the police, you may occasionally notice that the flag isn’t correctly displayed, with the stars on the left.
However, there’s a rationale behind this.
People were ready to explain the question when it was posed by a perplexed Redditor.
Someone wrote: “Does anyone know why the American flags on their uniforms are facing the wrong way? I really don’t know why, but it always bothers me.
It may appear at first that the manufacturing facility has made a grave error, but you would be mistaken.
Commenters and the National Air and Space Museum claim that the US Flag Code is the main focus. In case you are unaware, this is a list of guidelines regarding the American flag, including what it can be used for and how to utilize it.
The code pertains to the uniform insignia of service members, aircraft, and spacecraft.
“The full-color US flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right,” states US Army rules.
This implies that the flag must be positioned so that it appears to be flying ahead rather than trailing.
The flag appears to be floating in a breeze on a flag pole when it is worn on your left shoulder, but it appears to be floating backwards when it is worn on your right sleeve.
The stars are moved to the other side to correct that and provide a fresh viewpoint.
Eagle Mountain, an American flag and flagpole retailer, claims that because American paratroopers frequently landed behind enemy lines, they have historically distinguished themselves from enemy troops by donning the backward flag patches.
The reverse flag has historical roots that date back to the Civil War.
The American flag, which frequently symbolizes the valor and commitment of soldiers, would flap in the breeze as the troops marched forward during the conflict, carried by flag bearers.
To make every patch look like the flying flag from every angle on each arm, the military incorporated the reverse American flag military patch into uniforms in 2003.
“It’s because the flag is in a forward/advancing position and the stars that represent the states have the highest position of honor,” a Redditor wrote in response to the original poster.
Holding the flag on a pole, visualize how it flows out behind you as you move forward, with the stripes following behind and the stars at the front. The flag is regarded as being in retreat if it is inverted.
“Easy explanation: the stars are never supposed to retreat,” said another, simplifying it.
It’s a really good explanation.
Source: UNILAD
