Today's selection is a somewhat unusual patch I discovered in the Military Patches section at The Cheap Place. I'm referring to the white-on-black When I Die Bury Me Face Down patch which very acutely expresses the view of many a Vietnam-era vet. The saying apparently was coined in the 1970s in response to the bad attitude displayed by American citizens toward our military men and women. According to historians it was common to find the phrase engraved on the cigarette lighters of American soldiers.
The sentiment expressed by this patch is common among those who fought in Vietnam. They believed they were doing the right thing in obeying the orders of their country, regardless of whether or not the war effort was justified. Therefore, they also don't believe the wrath of the American public should rest with them; instead, it should rest with the presidential administration that sent them off to war. If you understand that sentiment, you can understand what the patch is expressing.
This patch makes a great gift for Vietnam veterans as well as their surviving family members. In fact, it makes for an especially attractive addition to the front of a Vietnam-era combat jacket. It's easily attachable to most fabrics with a hot iron, and it's also small enough that a good ironing job will eliminate the need for using needle and thread. Just be sure you don't try to iron it to leather or nylon. It won't stick and it could cause damage.
