Why is the American flag sometimes backwards?

Civilians often wonder why the US Army Flag Patch is reversed. The answer is: not all Army Flag Patches are reversed, but only those worn on the right shoulder. The reason has to do with proper display of the flag. The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. read more

The American flag moves forward. When you see a backward flag on for example a uniform it is attached such that if the person moves forward it looks like it’s blown to the back, with the pole always assumed to be on the side with the stars. read more

Learn why the flag is worn backward on Army uniforms, what it means, and how this long-running tradition began during the American Civil War. Learn why the flag is worn backward on Army uniforms, what it means, and how this long-running tradition began during the American Civil War. read more

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 as 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. read more