Is the American flag backwards on the side of Space Shuttle Discovery? No, the "backwards" flag is actually part of the US Flag Code. What Color Is the Reverse Side Flag on Uniforms? While the red, white, and blue colors are a crucial aspect of the American flag, you may have noticed that not all U.S. flag military patches display them.
These are known as "subdued" flags and are used for good reason. What does a reverse colored American flag mean? When assaulting forward, the star field is always to the front as the red and white stripes flow to the back in the breeze. Today, the reverse flag is worn on the right sleeve of military uniforms and symbolizes the courage and respect of the soldiers who serve.
The Fort Mercer Flag is a variant of the American flag flown at Fort Mercer around 1777 during the American Revolution. [1] This unique flag had inverted colors similar to that of the Serapis flag. Some replicas of the flag usually contain inverted stars and a wider ratio.
[2][3]. The reverse American Flag patch goes on the right side (sleeve) of the uniform with the blue star field in the highest position of honor. The flag patch on uniforms pays homage and represents the flag flying backwards while charging into battle.
Though the American flag patch worn on military uniforms may appear to be backwards or reversed, this is not technically the case. The American flag is worn "backwards" on military uniforms due to the significance of the blue field that honors the nation's states with stars. At first glance, this can be confusing for civilians who are used to viewing the American flag with the blue star field, or canton, in the top left corner rather than the top right.
However, there is an important reason why the American flag has a reversed appearance on military uniforms. According to the Defense Department, the U.S. flag is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag's right.
When worn, the flag is facing the observer's right and gives the effect of the flag flying as the wearer moves forward. But people think it is a backwards American flag. Why the confusion? Read on.
The Historical Basis The tradition of the "reversed" flag patch has roots in historical military practices from the Civil War. Flag bearers carried the national colors into battle, and as they advanced, the flag would naturally stream backward due to their forward momentum and the wind. Thus, the reversed American flag on the right shoulder still exemplifies the stalwart dedication of its military forces to always have the flag oriented to properly reflect the sacred traditions it symbolizes.