Backwards American Flag: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

Despite how it may appear, the “backward” American flag isn’t actually backward at all. Sometimes that is the correct way to display the United States flag.

The United States Flag

The American flag is one of the most widely-recognized symbols in the world. The “Stars and Stripes” has represented the United States since 1777. It has been modified over the years, though. The flag has changed 26 times as more states were added to the Union. Each of the 50 states is represented by a white, five-pointed star in a field of blue on the flag’s canton. The 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. 

The customary horizontal display of the flag features the blue field with white stars in the upper corner. The blue field is to the left of the observer. But what about those instances where the flag seems to be displayed backward, with the stars in the upper right? It may initially appear to be a mistake, but it is actually quite intentional. Let’s examine the history and symbolism behind the backward American flag, which is officially known as the Reverse Flag.

Flag Code

The field of blue with white stars, or the Union, is always displayed in the position of highest honor. The United States Flag Code states, “When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost, and to the flag’s right, that is, to the observer’s left.” 

However, when the flag is displayed on a moving object (an aircraft, vehicle, or person), the position of highest honor is in the front, not the rear. That means the Union must be displayed in the opposite top corner when it is displayed on the right side of a uniform or vehicle. This reverse flag seems strange to many people. However, the history behind the reversal clarifies the reason for such a display.

Army Insignia

The reverse flag dates back to the early days of the U.S. Army when infantry and cavalry troops would charge into battle while flying the banner of the Stars and Stripes. When charging forward, the flag’s Union is always in the front as the stripes flow behind it in the breeze.

This gave rise to the official Army regulation for displaying the flag on uniforms. A portion of Army Regulation 670-1 states the flag insignia on the right shoulder of Army uniforms must be displayed so “the star field faces forward.” It goes on to say, “When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.”

Uniforms, Vehicles, and Aircraft

This regulation has also been applied to vehicles and aircraft. Since they are mobile objects, any flag insignia on the right side is displayed in reverse. However, on the left side, flags are displayed in their normal position.

On both the left and right sides of uniforms and vehicles, the flag is displayed with the Union in the forward-facing position of honor. Since the flag’s hoist (the side attached to the flagpole) is always the blue field of stars, the displays on both sides give the appearance of the flag flying in the breeze as the vehicle or person advances.

The image below of Space Shuttles Enterprise and Discovery clearly illustrates the flag insignias on the left and ride sides of an aircraft. Both appear to be flying in the proper direction as the shuttles move forward.

Symbolism of the Reverse Flag

While the reverse flag looks backward to many, the symbolism is clear. The reason the flag is displayed “backward” on the right side of uniforms and vehicles is to signify that it is advancing forward. If the flag was not reversed on the right side of these moving objects, it would appear to be retreating rather than advancing.

This sentiment was reflected in a speech by Senator John F. Kennedy, who would later be elected as the 35th president of the United States. Kennedy said, “I believe in an America that is on the march — an America respected by all nations, friends and foes alike — an America that is moving, choosing, doing, dreaming…”

Serving as a symbol of President Kennedy’s words, the reverse flag signals a nation that is on the march forward.

The reverse flag is also reflected in very similar statements from Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Bush declared, “The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil.” Obama also said, “The United States will never retreat from the world.”

The standard display of the flag on the right side of moving objects is rejected since it would give the appearance of retreat. The reverse American flag is a visual representation of these presidential statements. It represents a nation that is always advancing, never retreating.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Originally created by Dbenbenn, Zscout370, Jacobolus, Indolences, Technion. Reversed by User:Kwj2772 / Public domain – License / Original