Leatherneck Tartan Question...

[AnimalK]

I want a Leatherneck Tartan Sport kilt. I am NOT a Marine, nor have I ever served as one (I was Army). My Father, however is a retired Marine.


Would it be appropriate for me to wear the Leatherneck tartan to honor my father's service as well as the young Marines I know (family friends whom I've known since they were wee ones...)who are serving currently in the sandbox?

[switchblade5984]

as a Marine....

i say go for it!

besides technically its not even recognized by the Marine Corps

[davedove]

I want a Leatherneck Tartan Sport kilt. I am NOT a Marine, nor have I ever served as one (I was Army). My Father, however is a retired Marine.


Would it be appropriate for me to wear the Leatherneck tartan to honor my father's service as well as the young Marines I know (family friends whom I've known since they were wee ones...)who are serving currently in the sandbox?

Since it's not officially the Marine tartan, there are no regulations to say you can't wear it. Even if it were official, unless it was a "distinctive uniform item" you could still wear it.

That being said, since it is identified with a particular branch of the US Armed Forces, I would definitely say to wear it with respect. I think that honoring your father's service is wearing it with respect, as is honoring the service of your friends. And I think most Marines would also accept that show of respect. Just don't try to pass yourself off as a Marine, or a member of any other service, unless you've done the time legitimately. That does upset those have served or are currently serving.

[AnimalK]

I served in the US Army (Chemical Corps), and have already ordered the Army Tartan kilt. I have several co-workers who were "Recon Marines" and I would NEVER dishonor myself and them by falsely claiming to have been something I wasn't. Integrity above all. I lost a cousin in the Marine Barracks attack in Beiruit and falsely claiming "I was a Marine" dishonors his memory as well as the other "Teufelhunden" past, present and future. I'm too old and wise for that.

I guess "Semper Fidelis" doesn't necessarily have to apply to just Marines. It's a hereditary condition...I got it from my dad.

OoooRAH!!

[mddock58]

By wearing a Tartan, you are not claiming to BE anything. You can wear it in honor and respect of those it represents.

If I wear the Moffat Tartan, I am honoring my great-grandfather, I may be able to "claim" kinship, but in reality I am honoring that line.

If you choose not to wear it, for the reason that you might offend, that is your choice, but as we have said here with any tartan, if you wear it, wear it proud, and know who it represents.

You could wear it in memory of those whom you knew/know in the USMC.

I did not serve in the military, but I have respect for those that have served, and those currently serving.

I will get a Leatherneck kilt to honor the institution of the Marine Corps, and to remind myself who they fight for.

[switchblade5984]

Semper Fi all!

thanks for the kind words!

[Livingston]

By wearing a Tartan, you are not claiming to BE anything. You can wear it in honor and respect of those it represents.
<snip><snip>
You could wear it in memory of those whom you knew/know in the USMC.

I did not serve in the military, but I have respect for those that have served, and those currently serving.

I will get a Leatherneck kilt to honor the institution of the Marine Corps, and to remind myself who they fight for.

VERY well said.

[GatorUK]

By all means wear it. I'm retired Navy and now an Army civilian. I attend the Key West Marine Corps Ball every year in honor of my Dad and those that followed him. I'm contemplating my next kilt from Alexis Malcolm. I may get the Army tartan since I'm gainfully employed by them and would make an excellent kilt for St. Paddy's celebrations (still root for Navy during the Army/Navy game tho). But I'm also considering the Leatherneck tartan and I expect one will be in my collection sooner or later.

[Chef]

Personally I won't be wearing it because I am not a marine and I feel strongly about these things (I like the tartan and would wear it if it had a different name). That said this is not a restricted tartan (obviously since the fabric can be bought) and it is my understanding that it is not even officially sanctioned by the Marine Corps. What it is is a fashion tartan given a name that will help it sell. So while I have strong feelings about tartans that are officially attached to a family or organisation (even when publicly available) I do not have the same feelings about tartans created by marketing departments at the mills.

[Monkey@Arms]

I do not have the same feelings about tartans created by marketing departments at the mills.

I understand the distinction you're making, but I get the distinct impression that the vast majority of tartans were created by the marketing departments of industrial revolution-era mills.

Best regards,

Jake