Questions for the military veterans here

**James MacMillan** · 9th December 07, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

You can find quite a few similar threads, and the consensus has always been that as long as you don't represent yourself as a vet-or anything else you're not-no one cares. Don't wear ribbons or badges or medals you didn't earn (which is actually illegal), and ther rest is taken as a way of honoring the military and all vets.

As a Marine, I'd be tickled to see anyone in the Leatherneck tartan; it was designed by an acquaintance of mine.

As to bonnets, you can buy a regulation tam-o-shanter in olive drab wool on the open market (check out ebay and What Price Glory). I think they look good, and I wear one all the time. OR . . . you could get any black balmoral or glengarry.

Jim said it very well - Ditto!

**kiltedsawyer** · 12th December 07, 11:04 AM

NightHawk,
This has been discussed on other threads as mentioned, but if you don't want to read all of those, just let me say that you can wear what you want, but not being a veteran of any kind, I would not wear any of the U.S. military tartans out of respect for those who have served. I would not for one second want to mislead anyone into thinking that I had done what these brave men and women have done when in fact I have not. There are so many other tartans, so many other ways to honor one's ancestors, I just don't see the need to wear a military tartan when I have not been a part of the military. I am a civiliam employee of the U.S. Navy but still would not wear the Navy tartan. That's my two cents worth.
Respectfully,
David

**Ruanaidh** · 12th December 07, 11:44 PM

Whichever tartan you decide to get, make sure to purchase the Sheillah pin of the Fighting 69th. It makes a great kilt pin.

http://www.antietammuseumstore.com/sheillahpin.html

**Riverkilt** · 13th December 07, 09:10 AM

I don't know what changed...but this year, in my little town's Veteran's Day parade, the folks along the sidewalks were shouting "Thank You!" at us as we marched by. Not just a few people...it was like a continuing wave of "Thank You's." Certainly a new experience in this town.

Just my opinion, but to me a civilian wearing a military tartan kilt would be taken as a form of "Thank You" and support.

Ron

**davedove** · 13th December 07, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I don't know what changed...but this year, in my little town's Veteran's Day parade, the folks along the sidewalks were shouting "Thank You!" at us as we marched by. Not just a few people...it was like a continuing wave of "Thank You's." Certainly a new experience in this town.

I think we're seeing a variety of things happening.

1. Those who insulted the troops after Vietnam are feeling bad and trying to make up for it.
2. Vietnam Vets are now lining the streets and won't let it happen in their lifetimes.
3. Some are honestly thankful for the service of others.
4. Some are doing it because it's the thing to do now. (Any thanks are good, but sincere thanks are better.)

I did what was asked of me, so I'll accept the thanks. But I will also further extend that thanks to those who put their lives on the line in combat, some of whom didn't return.

**cessna152towser** · 13th December 07, 09:29 AM

I can't say how the American services view the wearing of their tartans, but certainly here in Scotland I was permitted to have a kilt made in Royal Air Force tartan in honour of my late father's service, so long as it was pleated to the sett. The fabric was only available through the RAF's supplier, Strathmore Woollens whose kiltmaker also built my kilt. From memory they were more relaxed about supplying the tartan for export - Riverkilt was able to obtain his as fabric which he was then free to have assembled by Kathy Lare in the USA as a pleated to the stripe kilt.

**Nighthawk** · 13th December 07, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Ruanaidh

Whichever tartan you decide to get, make sure to purchase the Sheillah pin of the Fighting 69th. It makes a great kilt pin.

http://www.antietammuseumstore.com/sheillahpin.html

Oh yeah- I have one. Their so heavy that they make perfect pins. I got it this last summer when I went to Antietem with my dad. It was just too good to pass up.

**Fedgunner** · 13th December 07, 04:22 PM

I've been thinking about this for a bit.

As an Army vetran I have no problem with anyone wearing the Army tartan so long as they do not try to represent something they are not.

Honoring a relative or a friend is a fine application.
Wearing a "service" tartan because it looks great is good as well, but with a caveat.
If you don a "service" tartan know that there are those around you that will know what it is and what it represents. Dishonor that and things could get ::cough:: rude rather quickly.

**sharpdressedscot** · 13th December 07, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Fedgunner

I've been thinking about this for a bit.

As an Army vetran I have no problem with anyone wearing the Army tartan so long as they do not try to represent something they are not.

Honoring a relative or a friend is a fine application.
Wearing a "service" tartan because it looks great is good as well, but with a caveat.
If you don a "service" tartan know that there are those around you that will know what it is and what it represents. Dishonor that and things could get ::cough:: rude rather quickly.

So, if you're doing out of honor and respect, it's OK. Yet, if you just like it for the looks, then it's disgraceful?

**Fedgunner** · 14th December 07, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by sharpdressedscot

So, if you're doing out of honor and respect, it's OK. Yet, if you just like it for the looks, then it's disgraceful?

No....

"Wearing a "service" tartan because it looks great is good as well, but with a caveat.
If you don a "service" tartan know that there are those around you that will know what it is and what it represents. Dishonor that and things could get ::cough:: rude rather quickly"