American Flag Patches

[Gunhamr]

I have watched the first two games of the World Series.
I'm neutral; no choice. But something that I have noticed
bothers me. On the right shoulder of some of the warmup
jackets there is a stars and stripes flag patch with the
blue field on the rear as the wearer faces forward. Is it
just me or is this wrong? I was always taught that the
field should be at the front. In other words, there are
right hand and left hand flag patches. It upsets me to see
abuses and misuses of the flag. The flag should never be
worn as an article of clothing or used as beach towels and
bandannas. If worn as a shoulder patch, the field should
be to the front as if the wearer were carrying the flag in a
breeze coming from his front. If you are going to do it, do
it right.

And while I am on this subject I will also air another gripe.
Why do the singers of the Star Spangled Banner have to
curl the notes up on the end and warble them as if they
could not find a stopping place. Why can't they sing it as it
was written. Leave off all the flourishes and fancy endings.
The flag and the anthem should be reverenced with awe.
Lets keep it that way.

Semper Fi. El Viejo

 

[DeputyVaughn]

Amen

Scott

 

[Kamicosmos]

The patch I agree with. The Flag is The Flag, whether it's the real deal, a patch, poster, sticker, or bikini. People (Military and otherwise) have died to keep that flag raised, it deserves the utmost Respect.

The anthem, well. There's Artistic Licence. Then there's that whole....what is it? Hmmm. Freedom of Speech, I think. Remember how Rosanne butchered the Anthem and the backlash she recieved? I'm sure there are people who don't like Jimi Hendrix's version, and I know that I myself hate hearing a 'warbly' country version. I would personally like to hear Metallica or Nine Inch Nails do a version...but that's just me.

 

[4v50 Gary]

If the flag is to be worn, it should be worn correctly. Unfortunately, most folks don't trouble themselves to learn what "correct" is. We have parted from scouting too long.

Not to be unpatriotic, but I hate our National Anthem. First, the tune is adopted from a drinking song. Second, it's not a very good tune since you have to have an operatic voice to hit the high notes. I'd rather see Hail Columbia as the National Anthem.

 

[BerettaNut92]

The vibrato has become a cheap substitute for good pitch.

There are patriotic songs I like better than the Star Spangled Banner but I like the history of the song too much; changing a song to suit modern (and quite possibly passing) tastes would undermine the people who put this place on the map.

As much as I'd like to see 'Beer for Our Hosses' as the national anthem.

Or Dixie

 

[Kharn]

Flag rules and regulations

When worn on the arm, the blue should be in the upper left, as that is how the flag should be displayed when not flying on a pole.

I have heard that the military, when overseas, uses flag patches with the blue in the upper right, to symbolize the flag leading them into harm's way.

Kharn

 

[Ivanimal]

There is nothing like hearing the National Anthem while the blue Angels fly over. Bone chilling!

I live the flag and all it stands for as well, I wish they would get it right, but thank god they wear it at all.

I am very glad we play the Anthem before games on radio again, a tradition lost to commercialization and regained after 9-11.

 

[MrAcheson]

I have heard that the military, when overseas, uses flag patches with the blue in the upper right, to symbolize the flag leading them into harm's way.

Military uniforms with the flag on the right sleeve have the blue field on the right. This is so the flag is leading them forward not retreating. This actually got on an episode of Mail Call last season.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

For the military the flag is on the right shoulder, blue field facing forward.

Below the combat patch, if authorized.

I know it looks a little odd at first. However, it's the reg. The blue field and stars always are on the leading edge.

 

[C.R.Sam]

The vibrato has become a cheap substitute for good pitch. ...Skunk

Skunk nailed it.

Sam

 

[Kinsman]

Sam & Skunk, I concur.

Is my M1a too much gun for grouse?

 

[Penforhire]

I'm still grumbling because of all the tattered flags hanging unlit at night in my neighborhood. Tough to deal with since I appreciate the enthusiasm and patriotism. I don't want to dampen that too much. Maybe I should slip the flag code into their mailboxes?

 

[AJ Dual]

If you look at the space shuttle(s), the flag on the right side is also this way. Same thing as the patches, representing the flag flowing backward in the wind of forward movment.

Now is the flag being "backward" on the right side actually a faux-pas for civilians & non governmental uniforms wearing a flag patch on the right or not?

 

[Andrew Rothman]

Remember that the flag is a symbol of something to be revered -- it is not the revered thing itself.

While I agree that it is a bit carelesss to display the flag incorrectly (tattered, in the dark), it does not equate to disrespect to "the republic for which it stands".

With this in mind, here is my edited version of the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America: one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.