View Full Version : Is my rubberband wound to tight?
When I see a person wearing a uniform with an American flag sewed onto it, and they have the flag is facing wrong it just drives me nuts. Is my rubberband wound to tight?:alex::headscratch:
RenoF250
09-27-2008, 19:04
What do you mean by wrong?
Ol Timer
09-27-2008, 19:07
It takes getting accustomed to, but when you understand the reasoning for it, you have to respect it all the more.
And no, you're not by any means wound too tight. I pray often I could act more like you.
Glock 19 God
09-27-2008, 19:08
It takes getting accustomed to, but when you understand the reasoning for it, you have to respect it all the more.
And no, you're not by any means wound too tight. I pray often I could act more like you.
What is the reasoning for it?
tbhracing
09-27-2008, 19:10
When I see a person wearing a uniform with an American flag sewed onto it, and they have the flag is facing wrong it just drives me nuts. Is my rubberband wound to tight?:alex::headscratch:
Okie- Bro, I feel your pain. We just can fix everything.
Ol Timer
09-27-2008, 19:11
What is the reasoning for it?
The US flag when worn on the right shoulder is reversed to give the image the Marine, soldier, etc. is advancing.
Glock 19 God
09-27-2008, 19:13
The US flag when worn on the right shoulder is reversed to give the image the Marine, soldier, etc. is advancing.
Ahh ok. Please correct me if I am wrong, but the point is that the flag would be "flying behind" the soldier as they advanced?
What do you mean by wrong?
Ol Timer splained it real good my friend:patriot:
Okie, the flag should always be with the blue field advancing. So if you're looking at someone's LEFT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field will be forward and the stripes following.
If you're looking at someone's RIGHT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field of stars will be forward and the stripes following behind. You should not have the stripes leading and the blue field of stars following.
So it is not incorrect if you see someone wearing it as such.
Also want to mention that an American flag, if displayed on a vehicle, should always be in the front, with the blue field of stars advancing. The flag should not be displayed at the rear of the vehicle, unless the vehicle is in retreat.
stevelyn
09-27-2008, 19:22
Okie, the flag should always be with the blue field advancing. So if you're looking at someone's LEFT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field will be forward and the stripes following.
If you're looking at someone's RIGHT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field of stars will be forward and the stripes following behind. You should not have the stripes leading and the blue field of stars following.
So it is not incorrect if you see someone wearing it as such.
And it's worn on that side because that's the hand/arm you salute with.
I got stopped in an airport once while in uniform and asked why the flag was backwards on my shoulder.
Of course I kindly explained the reasoning to them. Real nice group of folks.
The sad thing is that they said they had stopped several other Soldiers that day and I was the first one who could explain it. Kinda makes me sad.
fireguy129
09-27-2008, 19:28
I'm the same way when I see people flying the flag the wrong way on a porch or something.
When I see a person wearing a uniform with an American flag sewed onto it, and they have the flag is facing wrong it just drives me nuts. Is my rubberband wound to tight?:alex::headscratch:
No, you're just wrong. Go read USC 4. When the flag is mounted on a staff, the blue field will be "advancing". Same thing for flags on a soldier's shoulder.
fireguy129
09-27-2008, 19:34
I think he meant sewing a patch with the field to the left on the right shoulder.
This is an exert from this web site:patriot:
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.
Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.
Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve (see picture), 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)
Some people find the "right flag" disrespectful of the flag and some are calling it the "wrong flag." They seek to gain support to encourage a change in the regulations to always use a "left flag" even on a right sleeve.
Okie, the flag should always be with the blue field advancing. So if you're looking at someone's LEFT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field will be forward and the stripes following.
If you're looking at someone's RIGHT shoulder, as they walk forward, the blue field of stars will be forward and the stripes following behind. You should not have the stripes leading and the blue field of stars following.
So it is not incorrect if you see someone wearing it as such.
I guess I forgot to mention which was was right you are right as rain:supergrin:
Tennessee Slim
09-27-2008, 19:49
Excerpted verbatim from:
AR-670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniform and Insignia
Sec. 28-18, U.S. flag, full–color cloth replica
(2) 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.
Great history lesson! I retired in 2002 when unit patches/badges were on the left shoulder and combat unit patches/badges were on the right. Guess I would have found out two weeks after retirement about the flag when my unit was designated to go to Bosnia. I wished I woulda known and I'd know about this because I would have stayed in.
FastDraw McGraw
09-27-2008, 20:15
God Bless the USA....... and punish all Democrats..........:rofl::rofl:
Dennis in MA
09-28-2008, 00:40
I'm the same way when I see people flying the flag the wrong way on a porch or something.
Maybe the porch is advancing to the right. :rofl:
I'm the same way when I see people flying the flag the wrong way on a porch or something.
On the 4th of July I drove by a house that had their flag upside down. I stopped and knocked on the door. It was an older couple that barely spoke english. I explained to them that the flag was displayed wrong. I then took them out and fixed it for them and tried to explain the rules to them.
On the 4th of July I drove by a house that had their flag upside down. I stopped and knocked on the door. It was an older couple that barely spoke english. I explained to them that the flag was displayed wrong. I then took them out and fixed it for them and tried to explain the rules to them.
Maybe they were in distress? I dunno. That is what a flag flown upside down means. Distress or emergency, etc.
There should be no guess work involved in wearing the flag. Your department, organization, or unit should know.
Unless you are a member of LE, Fire, Military, or a patriotic organization (AMVETS, VFW, scouts, etc) you should NOT be wearing a flag on your clothing.
fireguy129
09-28-2008, 11:29
On the 4th of July I drove by a house that had their flag upside down. I stopped and knocked on the door. It was an older couple that barely spoke english. I explained to them that the flag was displayed wrong. I then took them out and fixed it for them and tried to explain the rules to them.
Top notch!
misskitty5077
09-28-2008, 11:45
There should be no guess work involved in wearing the flag. Your department, organization, or unit should know.
Unless you are a member of LE, Fire, Military, or a patriotic organization (AMVETS, VFW, scouts, etc) you should NOT be wearing a flag on your clothing.
Is this an opinion, or more?
All the flag tee-shirts around middle of June bug me. That's why I ask? :wavey:
I deliver packages all day and often find a flag hung up on the staff or with a broken mount on a porch or balcony.
If it's possible I will tidy things up or go back to the truck for a zip strip to put everything right. I don't know if the residents notice or not , but I've had passersby and neighbors thank me.
A little old lady gave me a fresh chocolate chip cookie once. Which was nice, so I've got that going for me. :cool:
fabricator
09-28-2008, 11:52
I'm the same way when I see people flying the flag the wrong way on a porch or something.
So, you have seen a flag flying from a porch with the bars attached to the pole?
There should be no guess work involved in wearing the flag. Your department, organization, or unit should know.
Unless you are a member of LE, Fire, Military, or a patriotic organization (AMVETS, VFW, scouts, etc) you should NOT be wearing a flag on your clothing.
Law, rule or opinion? :dunno:
Is this an opinion, or more?
All the flag tee-shirts around middle of June bug me. That's why I ask? :wavey:
Law, rule or opinion? :dunno:
Proper etiquette-standards of respect, as spelled out here!
http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
Bullet point #4.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
I should mention that many discussions have been had on whether or not a t-shirt with a PICTURE of a flag is wrong. Many feel that it is not, because like a lapel pin, the picture is merely a representation of a flag, and not a flag.
If your shirt is an advertisement and a company logo, then it should NOT have a flag anywhere on it as that is part of the flag code stating that a flag should not be used as an advertisement IN ANY MANNER AT ALL.
Most of this is simply a matter of personal respect. If an individual has pride in the flag, and the shirt/hat/pin reflects patriotism and pride, I say march on!
Dennis in MA
09-28-2008, 13:37
I'd say that's more opinion. How many advertisements carry a small flag on them? What about when ball players wore a flag after 9/11?
Seems a bit restrictive to me. If some cleaning company wants a flag on the uniform, more power to them.
I think that the important thing is that any display of the flag be done with respect and honorable intent.
I've seen flags displayed in front of homes with a Harley-Davidson logo sewn onto the stripes. That sort of thing really offends me.
When I worked in a steel mill a couple years ago, we had flags sewn on the left shoulder of our uniform.
I guess we weren't 'supposed' to have them there, but it seemed ok to me. I liked having it on there.
Tennessee Slim
09-28-2008, 15:52
The Tennesse flag is a PITA. Even if you know it can be difficult to tell which way is up. Probably one fourth of all I see are flown upside down, including on government buildings, fire halls, and the like.
In 1976, the USPS issued Bicentennial "flags of the states" commemorative stamps. The Tennessee flag stamp was upside down and backwards. Someone noticed and called the US Postmaster. The postmaster called the state Adjutant General for clarification. The adjutant found that not only was the flag in his own office upside-down, the miniature commemorative flags being sold by the office of the governor were upside-down.
fireguy129
09-28-2008, 17:17
So, you have seen a flag flying from a porch with the bars attached to the pole?
no, usually I see it backwards when its hung vertically.
Ol Timer
09-28-2008, 17:30
no, usually I see it backwards when its hung vertically.
Once during the Fourth of July festivities I was driving down a one way street in lower downtown Denver. Strung between every set of lightpoles, one each side of the street, was a cable with about five US flags hung vertically and "backwards". I found a metered parking spot, no small task in LoDo and found the Larimer Square District offices to make a polite request. They told me nothing doing, but would fix it the next year. I offered my services, my ladder, my tools and my helper at no charge, but they weren't budging. I thanked them for their time and future consideration. This went on for several years and more than a few letters before they finally got it right. But at least it got done.
another okie
09-28-2008, 17:55
I am also used to seeing the flag on the left shoulder and it still jars me to see it stars forward on the right side. It just looks wrong to me, but I understand the reason for it.
To be honest, I don't really like seeing local and state LEOs and firemen with U.S. flags on their uniforms. They don't work for the U.S., they work for a city or a state or a county or whatever.
But I was brought up when flag rules were much more restrictive - no T shirts, no bumper stickers, etc. When you overuse a symbol it loses its meaning.
Because we have no monarch to serve as a focus of our patriotism the flag is our main unifying symbol, so let's treat it with respect.
waldershrek
09-28-2008, 18:51
Who the hell makes up all these rules?
So, how are you supposed to mount a flag on a porch? I got a little confused there... Thanks!
There should be no guess work involved in wearing the flag. Your department, organization, or unit should know.
Unless you are a member of LE, Fire, Military, or a patriotic organization (AMVETS, VFW, scouts, etc) you should NOT be wearing a flag on your clothing.
If an individual has pride in the flag, and the shirt/hat/pin reflects patriotism and pride, I say march on!
I was just about to say that I wore a Flag Pin on my shirt collar since 9/11/2001. . . every day, until said pin was lost. I wore that pin for 5 years.
Now, I can't find a replacement like the one I had.
It was not cheap. A friend with DIA had given it to me. His office was destroyed at the Pentagon on 9/11.
Fortunately, he was TDY in Nebraska.
I'd love to get another one of those pins. Alas, he's been transferred.
The US flag when worn on the right shoulder is reversed to give the image the Marine, soldier, etc. is advancing.
Exactly. Just the like the real Flag when viewed from that side when it is moving in a given direction. The field of stars is always advancing no matter which side you're seeing it from.
Left shoulder, one side of the Flag. Right shoulder, the other side of the same Flag.
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