Civil service decorations with the kilt?

**Harold Cannon** · 18th February 12, 01:25 PM

I know we have discussed at length the wearing of military decorations with civilian kilt attire but I got to wondering what about civil service decoration? I am the recipient of 17 or so different civil service citations for honor and training. Not all of our citations have a medal but all do have an enamel citation bar. There is no such thing as a miniature medal either. So what does the rabble have to say on this?

**1oldsarge** · 18th February 12, 02:10 PM

My two shillings: Since it isn't military, there isn't formal protocol on it, so I would say wear them proudly!

**Blupiper** · 18th February 12, 02:39 PM

If you earned them and are proud of what they represent--wear them with your head high.

JMB

**Downunder Kilt** · 18th February 12, 04:41 PM

Harold, I would hope that the civil service (Fire Dept if I remember correctly) that you gain your awards from, would have some sort of regulation in relation to the wearing of awards. I would follow these in civilian attire also.
You earned them, so if it is the appropiate for the function you are attending, wear them with the kilt.

**Chas** · 18th February 12, 04:44 PM

In the UK it used to be very popular. That is to say that very many organisations gave out medals.

It started in school for full attendance for the year. Some Counties gave out a dated medal every year and others gave a bar for an existing medal.

The civil service at County level (not national) would issue medals for efficiency.

Most societies and associations used to issue a medal every year to denote membership. Committee members usually had a different ribbon.

Often medals were issued for a special event. For example, all the workers, who were present on the day the bridge was opened, would receive a medal.

The thing is that these medals were not worn every day. The school medals were worn only three times a year, at the end of each term. Engineering medals would be worn to the next ribbon cutting event. The efficiency medals would only be worn once a year at the presentation of the next year's medals.

Some time in the early 50's the practice died out and today the only non-military medals seen are usually religious Orders.

My advice, Harold, would be to get them and/or the bars court mounted. I believe the American military call it a 'rack'. They will look smarter all mounted together as a block rather than higgledy-piggledy.

I think you should wear them. Once you have them mounted the occasions will arise.

Regards

Chas

**knotty** · 19th February 12, 05:54 AM

Wear them with honor.
Most organizations have their own protocol regarding placement etc.

Craig

**eagle43172** · 19th February 12, 07:07 AM

For several years now the Veterans Administration has officially encouraged US veterans to wear their awarded military medals with civilian clothes on patriotic holidays. The various services have regulations covering wearing awards on civilian clothes by active duty personnel. I too am in civil service and have several Department of the Army Civilian awards that came with medals. I say wear your medals (full sized). Just have some clever answers ready for the "medal police" who will surely show up.
Dave

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 19th February 12, 02:06 PM

You might want to contact Col. Frank Foster, CEO of Medals of America, (FFoster@usmedals.com), explain the situation re "civil awards of medals", and inquire as to the possibility of his firm supplying miniatures.

**Harold Cannon** · 21st February 12, 08:49 AM

I went ahead and rack mounted my bars. There are two on here that I technically dont have yet and that is my distinguished service, and my live fire instructor. I will be receiving both next month but since I was making it I figured I would go ahead and include them since I wont have to wear my bars again until after I am awarded those.

**creagdhubh** · 21st February 12, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

You might want to contact Col. Frank Foster, CEO of Medals of America, (FFoster@usmedals.com), explain the situation re "civil awards of medals", and inquire as to the possibility of his firm supplying miniatures.

I agree. My miniature medals and full-size medals - both anodized - have been supplied by Medals of America, and they do outstanding work. So well, that whilst I was on active-duty in the Marine Corps, I had all of my ribbons and medals mounted by them, versus the Annex on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - my main duty station at the time. And whilst in Highland dress, I would recommend wearing your awards exclusively with evening attire, unless you are attending a para-military/military related parade or ceremony.

Example of my miniature USMC medals supplied by Medals of America, worn with a civilan suit for 'Marine Week,' June 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Example of my large USMC medals and ribbon bar (on the right breast - these are awards that are ribbons only, and do not have actual medals).

Best of luck,