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The Proper Standard
Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms
While there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Flag Patches on Uniforms (Non-Athletic).
We have separately concluded that flag designs are inappropriate for printing, embroidering or otherwise displaying on clothing. (See No Flags on Clothing, Please.) An exception referenced there and discussed here is selective use of a patch bearing the likeness of the flag of the United States of America. Section 8(j) of the Flag Code provides that “a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.”
Anecdotally, most know flag patches to be so used. By extension and without express authority, however, usage of a flag patch on uniforms is typically extended to analogous, uniformed personnel as well, perhaps by custom, such as uniformed governmental personnel and private security guards. We are not strongly opposed to that. One could argue that any uniformed individual charged with service to or safety of United States citizens is inherently a “patriotic organization.”
Placement on uniforms is not dictated by the Flag Code, but in civil use the flag patch is most often found on the right sleeve. We surmise that this is derived from the ordinary display provisions of the Code, that typically require placement of the flag to “the speaker’s right” (Section 7(k)), or elsewhere, that “no other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America….” Section 7(c).
Military placement is by regulation of the Armed Forces, and varies between the left and right sleeve among military branches and uniforms. Conventional military usage, however, dictates that “the star field faces forward,” which “gives the effect of the flag flying into the breeze as the wearer moves forward.” Army Regulation 670-1. When this rule is applied to the right sleeve, its use is called the “reverse field flag,” since it is opposite of what one versed in flag etiquette would expect. (For instance, when a flag is displayed on a wall, “the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. Flag Code Section 7(i).)
Regardless, the prerequisite to application of a flag patch, however, is a “uniform,” as Section 8(j) limits its exception to specified or specifically-described organizational uniforms, rather than mere, casual ornamentation. Thus, private, individual use of a flag patch on clothing is, in our view, improper, just as we have separately concluded that use of the flag or flag designs in clothing, generally, is improper.
Question: Recently on the highway, I passed a “motorcycle gang,” each member of which had a flag patch sewn on the shoulder of their leather jackets. Surely this can’t be OK?
Answer: Section 8(j) of the Flag Code has breadth, and we believe it would be proper if, according to the internal rules of this organization, it could rightfully, objectively be thought of as “patriotic,” and carried out its activities with appropriate respect and reverence for the United States, generally, and the flag, specifically. For example, the uniform of the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”), too, bears the patch of the United States flag on its right sleeve. In that the oath required of BSA participants calls for a duty “to God and my country,” it is the prototypical “patriotic organization” and such usage is permitted by Section 8(j). However, once the “patriotic organization” prerequisite is found, the terms of the Flag Code do not discriminate against any one of them, or between them on the basis of other organizational ideologies; in the United States of America, our view is that is as it should be.
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About the Blogger
We all admire those who defend the American flag, and “the republic for which it stands.” Well, Ross Simmons and his son, Hunter, are dedicated to preserving that sentiment, through that emblem’s appropriate display in the Homeland. As life members of the National Eagle Scout Association, they regularly participate in Boy Scout-sanctioned flag retirement ceremonies, and have been researching flag etiquette and teaching it to the public for years. There are a slew of requirements about how to handle, display, and show respect for the flag (or more particularly, what should not be done with Old Glory) that you might not know about, and Ross and Hunter are eager to share them.Ross says: “It wasn’t long after 9/11 when Hunter and I would find ourselves routinely disappointed about people flying tattered flags, or leaving their flags out in the rain, etc. Granted, we knew it not prompted by disrespect, but we struggled to find a way to politely approach our neighbors, and ‘correct’ them by explaining that in showing their patriotism, they were actually doing the exact opposite by doing so inappropriately.” Ergo, “The Proper Standard.”
Ross grew up in El Centro, and was the sole raiser and lowerer of the flag at De Anza Elementary School for three years as a student there. His son, Hunter, has spent seven years teaching flag etiquette to youth. Presently, Ross is a corporate law attorney practicing in Rancho Bernardo, where he lives with his wife, Marcie. Hunter is attending college at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Previous Posts
The Proper Standard: Does your athletic team wear the flag? It shouldn’t
| Thu, 18 Feb 2010 7:50 PMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: Prohibited Flags on Athletic Uniforms. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag patches on non-athletic uniforms
| Mon, 21 Dec 2009 7:33 PMI passed a “motorcycle gang,” each member of which had a flag patch sewn on the shoulder of their leather jackets. Surely this can’t be OK?
The Proper Standard: No flags on clothing, please
| Mon, 14 Sep 2009 8:19 AMWhile there is no greater symbol of freedom world-wide than “Old Glory,” the authors believe that its patriotic display is only mildly more inconvenient, but far more reverent and appropriate, if done compliant with federal law and consistent with the Rules of Flag Etiquette: No Flags on Clothing, Please. (…)
The Proper Standard: Flag use and decorum in parades
| Sun, 23 Aug 2009 1:34 PMGiven my United States citizenship, and my commitment and oath to this country, what tribute, if any, should I pay to the flag of foreign countries should they be displayed on this occasion?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Half-Staff
| Sat, 30 May 2009 1:22 PMI cannot fly my flag at half-staff. Is it appropriate for me to display the flag in this manner on days or on occasions where the flag should be at half-staff?
The Proper Standard: Displaying the Flag: Typical outdoor use
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39 PMThe school in my neighborhood did not hoist the flag today. What up?
The Proper Standard: The Flag and the First Amendment
| Sat, 30 May 2009 12:31 PMI believe there should be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning in protest. What is your view of that?
The Proper Standard: Retirement of the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:33 PMQuestion: I live in a city, and cannot burn anything (much less a flag) consistent with the laws of my municipality. What do I do?
The Proper Standard: Respect for the flag
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:30 PMQuestion: It is disrespectful to the flag of the United States of America to dip it to any person or thing.
The Proper Standard: Authority and References
| Thu, 14 May 2009 1:14 PMQuestion: May I display a United States Flag that doesn’t comply with the federal law, but is proper at the time of its manufacture?
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