Why Is The Flag Patch Reversed?

Civilians often wonder why the US Flag Patch is reversed. The answer is: not all Flag Patches are reversed, but only those worn on the right shoulder. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag.

When flags are displayed on moving vehicles, the blue star field is always displayed towards the front of the vehicle. In this way, the flag appears to be blowing in the wind as the vehicle travels forward (flags are always attached to their flag poles on the blue field side). If the flag were not reversed on the right hand side of the vehicle, the vehicle might appear to be moving backwards (or "retreating").

The next time you visit an airport, notice that the US-flagged aircraft also have a "reverse" flag painted on the right side of the aircraft.

For flag patches worn on uniforms, the same principle applies: the blue star field always faces towards the front, with the red and white stripes behind. Think of the flag, not a patch, but as a loose flag attached to the Soldier's arm like a flag pole. As the Soldier moves forward, the red and white stripes will flow to the back

Copyright © 1996 - 2004 Bayshore Composite Squadron
Angelo C. Zappulla, Lt., CAP