Full Version: Regarding the Stars and Stripes
I have noticed on many occaisions that American soldiers carry a badge of the stars and Stripes on the shoulder, but that this badge is often reversed...
example
Is this proper? is it a question of a reversed photograph? Originally I thought the latter, but I've seen it so many times that I am no longer sure.
example
Is this proper? is it a question of a reversed photograph? Originally I thought the latter, but I've seen it so many times that I am no longer sure.
It's not reversed.
Imagine you are looking at a flag on a pole. If you are facing the pole and the pole is to your north, imagine what the flag looks like if the wind is blowing to the east. That is what we normally picture. Now imagine what the flag looks like if the wind is blowing to the west. The flag looks like what you see on the soldier's arm.
It is correct to have it either way.
If you fly the flag upside down, it is a sign of distress similar to sending out an S.O.S. at sea.
Imagine you are looking at a flag on a pole. If you are facing the pole and the pole is to your north, imagine what the flag looks like if the wind is blowing to the east. That is what we normally picture. Now imagine what the flag looks like if the wind is blowing to the west. The flag looks like what you see on the soldier's arm.
It is correct to have it either way.
If you fly the flag upside down, it is a sign of distress similar to sending out an S.O.S. at sea.
QUOTE(moif @ Oct 21 2003, 07:40 AM)
I have noticed on many occaisions that American soldiers carry a badge of the stars and Stripes on the shoulder, but that this badge is often reversed...
example
Is this proper? is it a question of a reversed photograph? Originally I thought the latter, but I've seen it so many times that I am no longer sure.
example
Is this proper? is it a question of a reversed photograph? Originally I thought the latter, but I've seen it so many times that I am no longer sure.
It might either be on purpose or an accidental design.
I might need to research this!
Did you read my post goamerica? I just answered this question.
As another mental exercise: imagine a solder holding a flag and running forward. If you are looking at this soldier from the same perspective that is shown in your picture, the flag would look the same.
It's not backwards.
It is not an accident to have it look like that. It is designed to look as it would if the soldier was facing into the wind or moving forward.
As another mental exercise: imagine a solder holding a flag and running forward. If you are looking at this soldier from the same perspective that is shown in your picture, the flag would look the same.
It's not backwards.
It is not an accident to have it look like that. It is designed to look as it would if the soldier was facing into the wind or moving forward.
campbejm is right. Consider that there is velcro on the back. Therefore, there are only two ways to wear that patch (IOW you can't turn it over and reverse it)...it could either look the way it does in the photo, or be upside-down.
When the flag patch is worn on the uniform's left sleeve, it looks backwards because protocol dictates that the starts face forward on the wearer.
From Army Regulation 670-1 Wear and Appearance of the Uniform:
From Army Regulation 670-1 Wear and Appearance of the Uniform:
QUOTE
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 appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag.
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.
Now that's why you've gotta love this website!
Question asked. Question answered.
And now most of us know something new!
Question asked. Question answered.
And now most of us know something new!
Thanks campbejm.
The idea of a flag pole certainly makes sense. The Danish army does not do this though, this is because Danish soldiers wear a shield style version of the flag on their shoulders.
example
The idea of a flag pole certainly makes sense. The Danish army does not do this though, this is because Danish soldiers wear a shield style version of the flag on their shoulders.
example
QUOTE(moif @ Oct 21 2003, 05:12 PM)
Thanks campbejm.
The idea of a flag pole certainly makes sense. The Danish army does not do this though, this is because Danish soldiers wear a shield style version of the flag on their shoulders.
example
The idea of a flag pole certainly makes sense. The Danish army does not do this though, this is because Danish soldiers wear a shield style version of the flag on their shoulders.
example
hence, the directional issue is eliminated
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