So, the reason the American flag is backward on a military uniform is that it isn't backward — it's flying exactly how it would were it carried into battle, and because the U.S. military doesn't ...

The U.S. Flag Code says the American flag must always be displayed with the star field in the proper direction. So why is it backward on some airplanes?

Look closely at many uniforms, and you’ll notice something that at first glance looks strange: an American flag patch that appears to be backward, with the star field facing right instead of ...

This authentic touch matches the backwards positioning of the flag on military uniforms. Flags are positioned like this to make them look like they are flying forward, as specified in U.S. Flag code.

That means when the flag is on the right sleeve the stars must face right in order for them to face forward, making the flag as a whole appear backward. Credit: Images via Adobe Stock.

That means when the flag is on the right sleeve the stars must face right in order for them to face forward, making the flag as a whole appear backward. Credit: Images via Adobe Stock.

Look closely at many uniforms, and you’ll notice something that at first glance looks strange: an American flag patch that appears to be backward, with the star field facing right instead of ...