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Flags on Uniforms
I am a veteran of the US Navy. I have two kids currently serving, with another enlisting soon. I am proud of my kids, my country and those who defend our freedoms.
Our flag, and all it represents is near and dear to my heart.
The issue:
Our fire department class A uniforms have the flag on the shoulder with the bars leading. Although not in violation of US Code (which does not SPECIFICALLY call out firefighters, police, etc) I cannot, in good concious, wear the flag in this fashion. On my uniform, the union leads (stars facing forward).
I have gotten grief from our township chief.
So, how does your department wear the flag (if it is part of your uniform)?
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Our flag, and all it represents is near and dear to my heart.
The issue:
Our fire department class A uniforms have the flag on the shoulder with the bars leading. Although not in violation of US Code (which does not SPECIFICALLY call out firefighters, police, etc) I cannot, in good concious, wear the flag in this fashion. On my uniform, the union leads (stars facing forward).
I have gotten grief from our township chief.
So, how does your department wear the flag (if it is part of your uniform)?
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by QuickWit54 on
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The example I read in one article was VFW or American Legion.
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Permalink Reply by Tiger Schmittendorf on
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We have adopted the military protocol of starfield forward, closest to the heart, often referred to by uniform providers as "reverse flag."
And when our uniform provider applies it in the wrong direction, we make them correct it for free.
It's even that way on our emergency vehicles.
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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
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I agree Tiger. As much as the FD see's their traditions through, why not further honor our servicemen and women by upholding the Military protocol for Colors on Uniforms being stars closest to the heart or reverse flag. If a Uniform shop doesn't complete it to spec, you better believe they are fixing it for free too. For the money we pay for these items, why settle for less than perfection.
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Permalink Reply by Ric Smith on
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Aloha Tom.... Like you, I'm also a Navy vet. I'm currently with a DoD fire dept. and our inspections branch & chief officers all wear the US flag on their right sleeve. Being that we are on an ARMY base, they wear the flag with the union leading as well. I was also tought that in the military. Hope this helps. Stay Safe, Ric
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Permalink Reply by DAVID BROWN on
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To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform,police uniform, or firefighter uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.
Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.
Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)
Some people find the "right flag" disrespectful of the flag and some are calling it the "wrong flag." They seek to gain support to encourage a change in the regulations to always use a "left flag" even on a right sleeve.
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Permalink Reply by Marvin Hawk on
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Unless he was given a dishonorable discharge. or the Big Chicken Diner ( ask him what that means) there is no such animal as a former Marine. Once a Marine Always a Marine..... sort of like Firefighters but with better uniforms.
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I'd be real interested in chapter and verse in the flag code as to how the flag when used as a patch is supposed to be displayed on a uniform. We fought this battle with the New York State Department of Corrections about 10 years ago when the Department acquiesced to the rank and files desire to wear a flag patch on our uniforms. The beauty of it is the morons then sent off to Taiwan and bought about 25,000 of them facing the wrong way. Despite all our complaining and threats not to wear them it came down to be termed a condition of employment. Wear it our way or else!
Just to throw a small wrench in here what about departments that wear it on the front of the shirt and not the sleve?
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Permalink Reply by Chief Dino on
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Tom,
Recommend a change to your uniform regs, if you have them in your Dept SOP, to fall in line with military practice. If there aren't uniform regs, propose them. We review and make changes to SOP/Constitution/By-laws every January.
TCSS
Shawn
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Permalink Reply by timothy fento on
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very well put turk i am a vet i was in desert storm and operation iraqi freedom i totaly agree with you there
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Permalink Reply by Bill Mulligan on
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We spent two days "discussing" this at our house I felt the same as you and did not give in until I won . It should be union first no doubt.
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Stars first nuff said
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Permalink Reply by Rob Odenwald on
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First, Thank You to all that serve our country. I recently added the flag to our gear and after listening to one of our active servicemen added them the right way with the union facing forward. We also display a large flag from our ladder coo's during funeral details and go to great lengths to make sure it is displayed properly. It's ashame many people do not understand or respect the flag and it's importance.
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