slow nite at work and found this interesting. thought some others mite too. This is from the sop's of West Point's pipe band .

Flashes

The British standard for the wear of flashes, is that the front edge be along the center of the shin. When the British raised Highland Colonial Regiments during the French and Indian War, they were sworn to never oppose the crown. During the Revolution, the British tried to raise these regiments but some of the colonials joined the cause for independence. No American Highland units were formed, but these experienced soldiers did play a role in the Revolution. In memory of their contribution to this country and defiance to the Crown of England, the Pipes & Drums, USCC will not conform to this British standard. Instead, the flashes will be turned, so that the center of the flash is along the center of the outside of the calf.