US Flag

[dtippie1]

Well I just have to ask. I was always taught that a flag worn on a unifirm was the reverse of what is now used by our soldiers. Are the boy scouts wrong the way they wear the flag on their uniforms?

 

[CZ 75 BD]

Welcome to THR

Would you clarify the question? The flag worn by the BSA is correct.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Normally the flag is displayed or worn such that the star field is at the upper left corner (as viewed)

The exception is when the flag is worn as a patch on the RIGHT shoulder. A flag patch worn on the right shoulder should have the star field at the upper right.

Why? Because Americans are not supposed to retreat in battle, only advance. When a flag was carried on a guidon, the star field was nearest the pole and thus lead the way forward. This tradition has been modernized to call for the reversed patches on soldiers' right shoulders so the star field is always leading the way forward.

 

[aguyindallas]

It is truly amazing the small stories and traditions that people of modern america are not aware of (I am the first to admit, I had NO idea!). What an awesome country we have. The smallest little traditions have some of the most powerful meanings. Its just too bad we have idiots trying to change everything...one thing at a time. :banghead:

 

[grnzbra]

Hawkmoon,

thanks. I'd never heard about that nor read anything about that in any literature about flag ettiquette. Where can I find that info?

 

[Solarian]

The field of stars or "union" should be worn closest to the heart. So, if worn on the left shoulder a standard or "left" flag should be worn to put the union at the upper left closest to the heart; if worn on the right shoulder one should wear a "reversed field" flag so as to put the union at the upper right closest to the heart.