Why is the U.S. Flag backwards?

[leeggen]

I was watching a tv program with actors as military soldiers and noticed that the flag embolem worn on their right shoulder was backward according to flag ettiquete. The Blue back round and stars were on the rightside of the flagas it was worn on the right shoulder as a patch. So I watched the soldiers at Ft.Campbell on TV and they also wore the flag patch on the right shoulder and it also had the blue backround and stars on the right side of the flag as you look at it. So why do they do this? The flag ,as displaid stationary, on a wall or as I suppose on the shoulder should have the blue backrnd and the stars to the left. Can someone explain to me why the shoulder patch is facing the way it is or is this an overlooked mistake in the sewing of the patch? Wondering minds need to know.
CD

[aspangler]

Originally ment to be worn on the left shoulder. It was never changed. Hope this helps.

[1911cherry]

It's called a deployment patch, those troops are about to be in the sandbox, the stars always go forward into combat.

[RugerFan]

the stars always go forward

This is correct. To signify going forward, not retreating.

[Recluse]

The flag never retreats.

:coffee:

[leeggen]

Aspangler, after reading you answer it reminded me of haveing heard that while I was in service. (Along time ago) Thanks all. But it is still backward and should be fixed.
CD

[doc1876]

again it is not on display, as at a political function, it is going into battle, so.........stars go in first.

[RogerDat]

The flag as carried as a standard into battle goes stars first, so the patch does also. It's not being "displayed" as a flag it is being carried as a personal battle standard.

[Springfield]

I wondered the same thing, but never asked, thanks.

[triggerhappy243]

Picture the flag in the wind blowing from the right to the left. The stars are on the right.

[leeggen]

Rodgerdat that makes real sence also. Thanks for the time to explain to all of us that want or will want to know.
Thanks again gentleman.
CD

[Gator 45/70]

Down here it means ,Forward Attack
Facing backwards it means Retreat.... Something we Americans have been doing plenty of ....

[BAGTIC]

It is a weather cock. The stars are always upwind whether attacking or withdrawing.

[leeggen]

To the Mod on this sight If you will please delete this thread. I now know what I wanted.
Thanks,
CD

[ohland]

Down here it means ,Forward Attack
Facing backwards it means Retreat.... Something we Americans have been doing plenty of ....

Upside down means HELP!

Yes, I do have some backward flags yet...

[jonp]

An American Flag is always displayed as if it is on a flagpole moving foward. The Flag never retreats

[10-x]

OK, I've wondered the same for some time. Now it has been explained. Go Army!!!!!