US Veterans, militaria, etc...

**kiltimabar** · 18th February 16, 10:44 PM

Somebody always quotes Army regulations about the wearing of medals with civilian attire. I submit that these regulations are intended to apply to those persons currently serving, and the military, concerned about their personnel appearing in a consistent manner, are seeking to regulate their appearance and one cannot argue with their authority to do so.

Once a veteran has been discharged, I do not believe that one is restricted to such a limited standard. Some time ago, a US Seceretary of Veterans affairs issued a statement encouraging vererans to wear their awards on appropriate patriotic occasions. I believe these occasions could include many events in addition to national holidays. These awards were given to YOU as a personal gift from a grateful nation in recognition of service or personal valor, and you can display or wear them on any appropriate occasion.

Appropriate? Who decides? Holidays, ceremonies, rememberances--I notice that Briitish veterans seem to wear them more often than Americans. Consider that yes, veterans CAN wear their complete former uniform on appropriate occasions, but some times it would be appropriate, other times not, and certainly not all the time. Common sense would be the guide

**SandSailor'00** · 19th February 16, 06:10 AM

I think my initial question has been answered...at least to my satisfaction. It goes without saying that no serving member should blend uniform with non-uniform, and I don't see anything in my question alluding to the wearing of awards not properly earned. As to disregarding regulations and doing what one will anyhow...that attitude (whether right or wrong), would, in my humble opinion, make such a question superfluous.

One sees a great many things...some, seem to be "good" things, but have no clear justification-Others, just look "wrong" from the get-go. Every Veterans' Day/Memorial Day, walk around my town and you'll see a whole lot of older gents wearing a plethora of "non-regulation" attire. My wife's grandfather (Marine infantry, wounded in the Pacific) has no problem wearing his Purple Heart in full size on a Wal-Mart suit coat...my father in law wears his SSG chevrons on a ball cap...and my father, a former 82nd NCO, often wears his father's (killed in '44) old flight jacket, complete with the old Stirling silver AAC wings. At our local Highland games, you'll see everything from the SAMS guys in their khaki shirts with ribbons, and men wearing the green 95th Regt. of Rifles shell jacket with great kilt and broadsword....to one man I saw wearing a Prince Charlie with the "correct" awards for a US Army infantry officer of the Cold War-but wearing UK colonel's pips on his shoulders.

For my part, I would rather avoid wearing even the "approved" lapel pin devices if someone would be dishonored, offended, or put-off by it.

True enough, once fully a civilian...so long as one isn't pretending to have earned something they haven't, it's pretty hard to see how there's any official application...let alone "enforcement" of military regulations. My question stems more from questions of style and propriety associated with clothing that is, in and of itself, deeply rooted in a foreign military tradition.

Again...I feel I have been provided excellent answers and guidance.

Dizzy

**Profane James** · 19th February 16, 06:12 PM

In the interest of smashing 'zero tolerance' ideals to bits, it would seem worthy to weigh intent and context...
In the interest of being objective, it would be worth the time and effort to know the 'why' behind the regulation...

**Steve Ashton** · 19th February 16, 06:47 PM

"it would be worth the time and effort to know the 'why' behind the regulation..."

Knowing the why behind Military Regulations? Surely you jest.

**Tarheel** · 20th February 16, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by Profane James

In the interest of being objective, it would be worth the time and effort to know the 'why' behind the regulation...

If there isn't a copy in (white, pink, blue, green and sickly orange) you'll find the answer in RED tape. That's what a Drill Sergeant told me once.

**Profane James** · 20th February 16, 06:14 AM

My ignorance shows...
I speak as one of the few men of my family who have not served in the military.
That being my reality, I do assume there is a standard of display when the families that have endured the military life alongside the soldier are asked to represent at such an occasion.