... and trains.
Posted on 02/09/2009 9:26:58 AM PST by CTOCS
What's with all the backwards US flags I'm seeing on TV and the movies these days?
On 3 separate episodes of NCIS, one of the cast members was in military BDU's and wearing the US flag on the upper right shoulder. Problem was the flag was made backwards (blue union on upper right instead of left). In one Van Damm movie the flag was draped over a casket upside down AND backwards. This at a military funeral. In one war movie, the flag on the tank was backwards.
This is the epitome of ignorance, apathy, and disrepect as far as I'm comcerned.
I can't expect the poor, dumb, Chinese bastard who made it to know the difference, but I damned well expect the American who ordered it and spec'd it to.
Why aren't the viewers complaining? Why are we putting up with this crap?
Is anyone else noticing this?
That one is actually correct. A previous post explains it.
Aircraft sport it that way to represent an “entire” flag. The “other” side” as it were. The flag decal on the left of the aircraft is correct with the blue union on the left and stripes to the right and down.
... and trains.
The NCIS thing would just be an oversight. Their production team harbors many fugitive Hollywood conservatives who would probably be upset to know they gaffed this. Contact them and let them know about it and I expect they’ll apologize to you.
Here is general Casey & Petraeus displaying correct right arm colors placement. The blue field faces forward on this arm.
http://www.defenselink.mil/DODCMSShare/HomePagePhoto%5C2007-02%5Chires_1-070210-A-2224C-077e.jpg
I think sometimes it no more complicated than they are using decals and there’s only a single presentation. If they use a decal on the other side it will be backwards.
I’ve sewn hubby’s patches (LE, not military) on for 20+ years and just once, about 8 years ago, noticed one flag that was backward so saved it. I’ve never heard of the forward charging thing.
IIRC, the flag on Marine One is backward.
Depends on the unit and regulation. Most times the flag is on the proper sleeve. However, in some situations, due to uniform regulations, etc... the flag is worn on the right sleeve with the stars to the upper right.
So some unit regulation trumps respect for the flag
that represents our Free Republic
The backward flag on the BDUs in NCIS is correct. The US is at war so the flag appears on military uniforms as backward. This is symbolic of charging into battle. When the US is at peacetime, the backward flag is replaced with the correct flag.
As for the Vin Diesel movie, knowing Hollywood, it was a screw up that no one bothered to look into.
In all my years of service and world travel, I have never seen an American flag displayed backwards (except on the starboard side of aircraft, previously explained). This is a recent thing. You didn’t see it displayed on Private Ryan, did you?
That’s the way they wear theem now. It was explained to me as if they were running into battle carrying the flag it would be flapping as depicted.
Define "these days."
It is perfectly acceptable to fly a state flag beneath the U.S. flag on the same pole.
Okay, I see. I’ve got it the right way. I’ve gotten that “my left, your right” thing wrong so many times, I don’t even bother trying to figure it out myself anymore.
Thanks!
The flags are worn on the BDUs. Think about it, if you are moving forward in battle with a flag, which way does the flag go...backwards.
I’ve noticed it but, have you seen obambi attempt a salute? It is all indicative that the people in charge don’t give a crap.
If you are looking “down” at your sleeve and see the union to the right, it would be on the left if you looked at it face on, just like it would be if flying from a pole.
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