Need advice and opinions from those who served

[ray1970]

First, I have never served my country but consider myself a patriot and love my country.

I also have a great deal of respect for those who do or have served our country.

Anyhow, I have a vest I wear from time to time when I ride my motorcycle. I'd like to sew on a couple of patches to show support for my country and those who serve but don't want to confuse anyone who sees it by thinking I am former military.

I was thinking of a flag on the left front chest area. Maybe a yellow ribbon below it?

Is the yellow ribbon a universal symbol to show support for our troops?

Would the flag be appropriate or would I just look like a douche bag? If it is OK, should I do the traditional red/white/blue or would one of the multi-cam type colors be OK? And which side should the field of stars be on if I wear it on my chest?

Also, any other ideas would be welcomed. I just want people to know I am a proud American and I support our troops but don't want anyone to think I am deceiving them by pretending to be something I am not.

[Great-Kazoo]

IMO, NOT having an American flag on your vest is a problem Do what you're comfortable with. You're not acting as some poser, PLUS there's a massive amount of mc riders who still have the POW/MIA patches. Showing support is never lookd at as bad.

The only issue i have with mc riders is those who THINK they're in some 1% club. ESPECIALLY when i see those SOA or other FAUX top & bottom rockers

EVEN WORSE The ones riding with American Flags that are torn to shreds. CHANGE THAT FLAG NOW!

[SideShow Bob]

As long as you're not making up stories about being shot down in a helicopter in Afganistan or the like! Wearing a flag only shows patriotism and love of your country. Go with the RWB, make it stand out.

[StagLefty]

I was never a sniper or in the SEALS but I proudy wear this hat to show my respect for Ryan Job and Chris Kyle.

The Craft Skull is a daily reminder to us all the sacrifices brave warriors have made and what it takes to triumph over evil.

[sroz]

I have no issue with what others choose to display as long as they are respectful. I have met lots of people who wear military patches and will immediately tell you if asked, that they did not serve but are proud of our military. The "posers" are a totally different story.

[Hound]

It is never disrespectful to fly the flag. All Americans earn that one by being American. The issues come when you put on patches from units or areas of the Military that you have never had any involvment in to be "tacticool". We earn those badges when we serve. Even though I did serve, I have no right to wear a Ranger patch, that is not where my contribution to the services was at. By the same token I can wear my Dolphins with pride, and it signals me out to my fellow bubble heads. This happened just yesterday at the Golden Gun Club where a guy was wearing a hat displaying Dolphins. I struck up a conversation with him and within seconds we both knew where we stood. If he had given BS responses it would have pissed me off..... He would not have earned them.

[theGinsue]

I agree that wearing of the flag is always appropriate - so long as it isn't done in some sort of inappropriate way. Good on you for adding this to your vest.

Wearing the flag over your left breast demonstrates that it is "close to your heart". Perfect place for it for a patriot.

Worn over the left breast, the flag should be displayed with the field of stars to the top & left to the viewer (wearers right) - just as you see 99% of flag pictures. The field of stars should always be worn to the top. Read this quick explanation for flag patches with the flag reversed:

Source: http://www.usflag.org/flagpatch.html
Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms?

Following is a quote from the Department of Defense website...

"Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform.

The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that “the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. 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. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the ‘reverse side flag’.”

We appreciate and share your concern for the respectful display of our American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces."

For more information on Army Regulation 670-1 please visit the following web site, http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

Now, as far as other patches to show your support... I don't know what would be best here. This is a tough one (for me anyway). I know that the POW/MIA emblem is popular, but it really just focuses on those who are/were POW/MIA. Perhaps a patch that had the logos of each branch of service on it would be good. It wouldn't look like you were claiming to be a veteran on one particular branch since all branches were covered.

ETA: The yellow ribbon traditionally symbolizes caring and concern for military members who are still serving in harms way. While it (is believed) to have started by those concerned for a specific loved one serving, it quickly expanded to be used by anyone concerned for all service members - not just for someone you know personally.

I hope this helped.

[TheGrey]

It's your country, too.
Wear that flag with pride, just as Ginsue said. You're not being a poser, and you're not indulging in stolen valor. I've known people that wear unit patches of loved ones that were KIA, or relatives that served during a war. They're eager to tell people about their friend or relative; they don't claim that they served.
My Dad didn't serve- he had high blood pressure and flat feet and they would not let him in. For every military member, there's a network of support in the community. That's you.

[ray1970]

Thanks, gentlemen. All of the responses helped.

Think I'll do a simple, traditional, red/white/blue flag. I'll still have to figure out exactly what to do to honor and show respect to our military.

[sandman76]

I have a U.S. flag patch on my vest. Left breast as mentioned. A patch on the back that is a triangular field with the words In Memoriam. I was never in the service either. Just feel that it's patriotic. I don't wear it that often when I ride these days though.