The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
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
-
Permalink Reply by Joe Sheldon on
-
The stars should always be toward the front of your body. This looks strange on the right shoulder, because it does not look natural for a flag (it looks backwards). The idea is that your body is the "flag pole," and each shoulder patch is a side of the flag.
-
Permalink Reply by Kevin King on
-
Proper Flag etiquitte calls for the stars to the left when facing the flag.I am also a vet and I'm a little bit touchy about our flag.
-
Permalink Reply by tom on
-
Thanks for the responses...now any tips on how to address this with the Chief? When I tried to talk to him about it in the past the discussion was met with an abrupt "Firefighters can wear their flags according to the department rules...and mine are to wear it with the stripes forward".
I have not/will not change my flag on my Class A's. Nor will I remove the flag from my helmet (union leading of course).
The chief and I are at odds over this.
The other firefighters either are non-commital or agree, but don't want to make waves.
Thanks,
Tom
-
-
Change your patches and see if anyone even notices.I never had much problem with making waves,Hell I know you can swim the storm won't last long.
-
Permalink Reply by Yank2441 on
-
I am in agreement. The proper way is with the stars leading no matter what the Chief says! There is proper and there is back woods/red neck.
-
Permalink Reply by Mags on
-
Should be stars to the heart...no other proper way to wear it, you are correct sir
-
Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on
-
Luckily our department is led by a former Marine, so the flag is proper. A lot of non military personel (civilians) don't seem to grasp the concept. I know the embroidery guy in town refuses to sew them on incorrectly. As far as your district goes, good luck, its going to be hard to convince them to buy new uniforms
-
Permalink Reply by Coach on
-
Do you by chance have a local American Legion or VFW chapter, who might be willing to send the Chief a letter regarding proper display of the flag? The Chief may not change his mind, but if you get the support of the vets behind you, the Chief may not be as willing to make an issue out of the matter. Publicity can be very very good, or a very very bad thing. Where the flag is concerned, we all know the vets aren't at all opposed to stirring things up a little bit.
Good luck with the Chief. And thank you for your service.
-
-
I'll beg your pardon sir! There is a hell of a bunch of Flags waving in the redneck backwoods of this great nation.
-
-
Pull up proper flag ettiquette on the net copy it and put it on his desk.
-
-
I did. As the fire service is not specifically mentioned he claims authority. I am going to contact the VFW today.
-
-
He is just a lil bit thick headed aint he.(excuse the pun but there was a REDNECK slander )Flag Ettiquitte dosn't apply to any one it applies to everyone that is an AMERICAN.You can feel free to show him this post if you like.
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
