why is the american flag backwards on military uniforms

The American flag appears backwards on military uniforms to symbolize the flag flying as the wearer moves forward. This tradition dates back to the Civil War, where flag bearers carried the flag into battle and the flag would stream backward with the canton (the blue field with stars) leading, symbolizing courage and forward movement. On the right shoulder of military uniforms, the flag is reversed so the canton faces forward, giving the illusion of the flag flying in the breeze as the soldier advances. This is a sign of respect and honor toward the 50 states represented by the stars. The reversed flag patch became standardized across U.S. military uniforms in 2003 and is a tradition followed strictly according to Army regulations and the U.S. Flag Code.