Wearing a dirk casually

**LT Alan Briley, RN** · 9th June 18, 07:27 PM

Our wearing and display of weapons was in a Catholic Church in Virginia, with the knowledge of the Priest, blessing of the deceased's spouse, and the members of law enforcement present. You should be aware of the desires of those you are honoring, and the local and state laws applicable to your location. Mt friend was honored due to his knowledge and support of our military and law enforcement brethren.

**Terry Searl** · 9th June 18, 08:11 PM

I'm a Canadian and I have been a member of this site for a couple of years now. Something that has always made me wonder why is, why is it so important to Americans to be armed .......we have just a few highlanders that make regular comments here and even those that are totally committed to traditions don't seem to think that carrying a dirk, pistols, or some other weapon, in any fashion, is quite so important, unless they are in a historical enactment group .......just wondering why

**carlisle401** · 9th June 18, 08:22 PM

I will recommend to the minister that swords are not to be used by the Color Escort. I don't feel right going to church with a weapon. Never did it when I served, don't see it while I am a civvy.

I will keep it with the traditions I am used to.

**Damion** · 9th June 18, 11:52 PM

Originally Posted by carlisle401

I will recommend to the minister that swords are not to be used by the Color Escort. I don't feel right going to church with a weapon. Never did it when I served, don't see it while I am a civvy.

I will keep it with the traditions I am used to.

Fair enough, though what do you make of gun salutes for the dead or weddings where military officers create an arch with their swords?

**Jock Scot** · 10th June 18, 03:04 AM

Originally Posted by Damion

Fair enough, though what do you make of gun salutes for the dead or weddings where military officers create an arch with their swords?

I am not sure that the events that you describe could be described as " casual", which is what the OP was asking about. In my experience, fortunately more for military weddings, than military funerals in the UK, swords are not worn(carried) in the church, but piled in the porch, but are worn outside and the sword arch is just for the bride and groom.

The Guard of Honour, made up from a picked team of the groom's military friends waiting for the guests(and harp!) to clear the exit, before the Bride and Groom make an exit under an arch of swords.

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**FossilHunter** · 10th June 18, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by carlisle401

Interesting that you should post this today. Tomorrow, I will visit a church in Phoenix, AZ to plan an Color Guard. The minister has asked for swords, which I am against as I served with the British Army and the only Regiment I know of posted guards outside the church were Cameronians.
I am not keen on having swords. Is it common to have weapons in Church here?

I don’t know about common but I don’t think there is a deep philosophical objection to it.

I remember a service at a southern baptist church where the pastor, a naval chaplain, wore his dress blues and had a navy officers sword out for some point or another during the sermon. Now I’ll point out that he wasn’t wearing it or anything and it was only out a a minute or two but it was at the pulpit.

I think there was a verse involving swords but this was years ago so I can’t remember exactly what the purpose was.

**carlisle401** · 10th June 18, 08:45 AM

We did do a Colour Guard two years ago without swords here in a Phoenix church. I will leave the decision up to the minister. I will let you all know his decision this evening.

**FossilHunter** · 10th June 18, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Terry Searl

I'm a Canadian and I have been a member of this site for a couple of years now. Something that has always made me wonder why is, why is it so important to Americans to be armed .......we have just a few highlanders that make regular comments here and even those that are totally committed to traditions don't seem to think that carrying a dirk, pistols, or some other weapon, in any fashion, is quite so important, unless they are in a historical enactment group .......just wondering why

I think that the safest answer would be to just chalk it up to a cultural difference between Americans, Canadians, and British. Anything else is likely to get into topics forbidden in the forum.

**carlisle401** · 10th June 18, 09:31 AM

At The Highland Games in Phoenix we had the Kirkin of the Tartan with a Colour Guard, the escort with swords stayed outside the tent while the Colours entered. Ah well, we will see this afternoon.

**FossilHunter** · 10th June 18, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Terry Searl

I'm a Canadian and I have been a member of this site for a couple of years now. Something that has always made me wonder why is, why is it so important to Americans to be armed .......we have just a few highlanders that make regular comments here and even those that are totally committed to traditions don't seem to think that carrying a dirk, pistols, or some other weapon, in any fashion, is quite so important, unless they are in a historical enactment group .......just wondering why

Well Terry I thought about it a little more and another possibility could be that many Americans have an overly romantic, Hollywood inspired view of highland dress/culture. It comes up with clothes all the time (pirate shirts). It may extend to weapons as well.

The Hollywood Rob Roy and William Wallace are never without their swords. Conner McLeod has to behead his enemies.

In the USA, the kilt is largely associated with a mythical version of the highland warrior.

I’m sure a lot of new members are confused when they see more discussion here devoted to neckties than claymores.