{"id":5955,"date":"2025-04-10T14:42:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T18:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/?p=5955"},"modified":"2025-04-11T08:42:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T12:42:12","slug":"american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/","title":{"rendered":"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement &#038; Respectful Wear"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg\" alt=\"reverse flag patch\" width=\"325\" height=\"260\" \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flags\/outdoor-american-flags\">American flag<\/a> is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. When worn as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/flags-banners\/patches\">flag patch<\/a>, it becomes a deeply personal statement of patriotism, duty, and respect\u2014especially for members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and civilians who wear it with pride. <\/span><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0But with that honor comes responsibility. How the flag is worn\u2014especially which direction it faces\u2014carries symbolic meaning rooted in both tradition and official regulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide explores everything you need to know about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flag-patch-2x3\">American flag patch<\/a>: where and how to wear it, why it&#8217;s sometimes &#8220;reversed,&#8221; and how its display fits into broader <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/ultimate-guide-to-flag-etiquette\">U.S. flag etiquette<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re in uniform or wearing the patch casually, you\u2019ll leave with a full understanding of what the flag patch stands for\u2014and how to honor it properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Is the American Flag Patch Sometimes Reversed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve ever noticed that the U.S. flag patch on a military uniform appears &#8220;backwards,&#8221; you&#8217;re not alone\u2014and it\u2019s not a mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tioh.army.mil\/\"><b>U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when the flag patch is worn on the <\/span><b>right sleeve<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it appears reversed so that the <\/span><b>blue union (the stars)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> faces forward. This mimics how a flag would fly if mounted on a pole and carried into battle\u2014the union always leads the way. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flag-patch-2x3-right\">American flag reverse patch<\/a> gives the visual impression that the flag is blowing back in the wind as the wearer moves forward, never retreating.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/eagles.jpg\" alt=\"eagle insignia\" width=\"402\" height=\"544\" \/><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Right Sleeve<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reverse flag patch with the union facing forward (observer&#8217;s right).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Left Sleeve<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Standard flag patch with the union facing forward (observer&#8217;s left).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This symbolism of forward motion and strength is not unique to the flag\u2014it also appears in the forward-facing eagle used in military rank insignia, such as that of a colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What the U.S. Flag Code Says (and What It Doesn\u2019t)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>United States Flag Code<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Title 4, U.S. Code) outlines general rules for displaying the flag. While it <\/span><b>prohibits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the use of the flag as a part of a costume or athletic uniform, it makes an <\/span><b>exception<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for flag patches worn by members of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Armed Forces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Law enforcement agencies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fire departments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patriotic organizations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notably, the Flag Code <\/span><b>does not specify exact rules for patch placement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014this is left to the discretion of individual organizations, branches of service, or local government guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>From the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/flag-code\">Flag Code<\/a>:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cNo part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/flags-banners\/lapel-pins\"><b>lapel pins<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Code suggests they be worn near the heart, usually on the left lapel\u2014again, reinforcing the theme of honor and symbolism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Official Military Patch Guidelines<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Per <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tradocfcoeccafcoepfwprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net\/428-fa-bde\/bolcb\/doc\/670_1.pdf\"><b>Army Regulation 670-1<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the American flag patch (either full-color or subdued) must be worn:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the <\/span><b>right shoulder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pocket flap<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the <\/span><b>union facing forward<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sized at <\/span><b>2\u201d x 3\u201d<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><b>subdued colors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while deployed or in tactical environments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These rules are strictly enforced for military members, and they reflect the importance of consistency and symbolic forward movement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Flag Patch Use for Civilians &amp; First Responders<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most people associate flag patches with the military, many other groups wear them proudly and respectfully:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/first-responder-flag-case\"><b>First Responders<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (police, EMS, firefighters): Often wear patches on both sleeves depending on department policy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Veterans\u2019 Groups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: May wear either sleeve version depending on the uniform or ceremony.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Patriotic Civilians<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Can wear flag patches on clothing, gear, backpacks, or hats, but should strive to do so respectfully and knowledgeably.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Best practices for civilians include:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the same forward-facing placement rules as military wear.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid wearing the patch on items that are disposable or easily soiled.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wear the patch in a way that distorts or disrespects the flag (e.g., across the seat of pants, on shoes, or torn clothing).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in doubt, wear the patch on the <\/span><b>left side<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or sleeve with the union facing forward.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Full-Color vs. Subdued Patches<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/UA490_330_1.avif\" alt=\"subdued flag patch reverse\" width=\"313\" height=\"313\" \/>Traditional red, white, and blue patches are most commonly seen on formal uniforms or ceremonial wear. However, <b>subdued flag patches<\/b> (typically tan, green, black, or grayscale) are standard for tactical uniforms because they reduce visibility in combat or field environments.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both styles are considered appropriate when used according to their respective guidelines. The choice depends on your environment and purpose.<\/span><\/figure>\n<h2><b>Flag Patch vs. Lapel Pin: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flag Patch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Typically sewn or Velcro-attached to a sleeve or gear, symbolizes patriotism in a uniformed or field context.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lapel Pin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A small, polished replica worn on the left lapel near the heart, representing a more formal and symbolic gesture of allegiance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both serve the same purpose\u2014honoring the flag and what it represents\u2014but are used in different contexts and styles of dress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Adjacent Flag Etiquette You Should Know<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the flag patch leads naturally into broader <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flag-etiquette\">American flag etiquette<\/a>, which many people unintentionally get wrong. A few additional guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flag should <\/span><b>never touch the ground<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flag should be <\/span><b>illuminated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if flown at night. We outline this in our<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/flag-pole-lighting\">American flag lighting guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When displayed vertically, the <\/span><b>union should always be on the observer\u2019s left<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>damaged flag should be retired respectfully<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically by burning in a ceremonial fashion. Many VFW posts and Boy Scout troops offer this service, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flag-retirement\">we collect them too<\/a> if you want to be a part of our annual flag burning ceremony!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Get Your Flag or Flag Patch Today\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/flags-banners\/patches\">American flag patch<\/a> is more than a fashion choice\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of\u00a0 American values. Whether you&#8217;re in uniform or simply want to show pride in your country, understanding the meaning behind the patch and following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/fly-flag-half-mast\">flag etiquette<\/a> ensures you&#8217;re honoring the traditions and people the flag represents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you want help getting the best American made <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/american-flags\">American Flags<\/a>, you can order online or call us in-store at <a href=\"tel:18886973524\">1-888-697-3524<\/a> to connect with a flag expert to ask any questions you have!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The American flag is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. When worn as a flag patch, it becomes a deeply personal statement of patriotism, duty, and respect\u2014especially for members of the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and civilians who wear it with pride. \u00a0But with that honor comes responsibility. How the flag is&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\">continue<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-history-lessons"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement &amp; Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you&#039;re not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement &amp; Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you&#039;re not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gettysburg Flag Works Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-10T18:42:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-11T12:42:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maria C\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maria C\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\",\"name\":\"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement & Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-10T18:42:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-11T12:42:12+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/797d01af09cb99d0554be48314f69bb6\"},\"description\":\"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you're not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg\",\"width\":1500,\"height\":1200,\"caption\":\"reverse flag patch\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement &#038; Respectful Wear\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Gettysburg Flag Works Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/797d01af09cb99d0554be48314f69bb6\",\"name\":\"Maria C\",\"description\":\"Cheryl has been with Gettysburg Flag Works since 1999. She shares GFW's message with the community on and offline.\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/author\/gfw122\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement & Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog","description":"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you're not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement & Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog","og_description":"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you're not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/","og_site_name":"Gettysburg Flag Works Blog","article_published_time":"2025-04-10T18:42:23+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-11T12:42:12+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg"}],"author":"Maria C","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Maria C","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/","url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/","name":"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement & Respectful Wear - Gettysburg Flag Works Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg","datePublished":"2025-04-10T18:42:23+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-11T12:42:12+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/797d01af09cb99d0554be48314f69bb6"},"description":"If you have been confused by seeing a backwards flag patch, you're not alone! Here is a detailed explanation of the reverse flag patch!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/backward-flag.jpg","width":1500,"height":1200,"caption":"reverse flag patch"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/american-flag-patch-etiquette-meaning-placement-respectful-wear\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"American Flag Patch Etiquette: Meaning, Placement &#038; Respectful Wear"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/","name":"Gettysburg Flag Works Blog","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/797d01af09cb99d0554be48314f69bb6","name":"Maria C","description":"Cheryl has been with Gettysburg Flag Works since 1999. She shares GFW's message with the community on and offline.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/author\/gfw122\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5955"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5964,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5955\/revisions\/5964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gettysburgflag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}