So it’s been seen controversial in every direction imaginable from the left shoulder to the right shoulder and reversed and not reserved. So what is the standard if there really is one? You see the US flag displayed on the back of an ambulance in a reverse displaying manner and on firetrucks as well. We have seen mass transit busses display it in every conceivable direction. So the US Flag Etiquette Left Right Left Right or what it is the right answer? Important questions when it comes to what we as Americans are most familiar with and how our military, NASA astronauts and first responders approach it to be correct.
US Flags and the US Cavalry
Over the years we have been designing for all branches of the US military and repeatedly have been told the US flag goes on the right arm and the field of blue always points towards the chest. It has been said more than once that the roots of this direction stems back to the hogback US cavalry and their US flag guidon waving in the wind while at full gallop. The flag has always and must continue to be reversed because the American flag is never in retreat. Never.
Why is the US flag worn backwards?
Since the Stars and Stripes are mounted with the canton closest to the pole, that section of the flag stayed to the right, while the stripes flew to the left. Therefore, the flag is worn on the right shoulder, and wearing it backward gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.
American Military Uniforms and the American flag
American military uniforms feature the U.S. flag, which is worn facing backward. The rule is that the blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor on the uniform. That position has always been the right shoulder with the flag’s blue stars facing forward.
Does the US Flag ever dip in salute?
The answer is no. The organizational flag may be dipped in salute to the reviewing officer at a parade or during the National Anthem, but the American flag is never dipped in salute.
Another US military flag fact
The term, “Assaulting Forward” has been adopted by combat troops (instead of “facing forward”).
NASA
Apollo 1 and its fated crew of astronauts Gus Grissom, Edward H White and Roger B Chaffee have been seen in a very famous photo where they displayed the US flag patch on their right arms with the US Flag not displayed in a reverse view. It has been the subject of criticisms, some NASA space lore and been the topic for decades on why and this all happened. It has also brought into question why the US military and the NASA astronauts many whom served in the US military were allowed to wear a patch in such an indirect manner. The question about how this all happened is not fully answered but does raise some questions about the proper use and display of the American flag.
Weigh in with your opinion and or thoughts about the US flag and its use on military uniforms, NASA and the proper flag etiquette when worn on a uniform.