Quote Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown View Post
Given that there are many people out there who would like to show affection for a branch of service to which they have no direct connection (ie: they didn't serve) it would seem to me that some enterprising merchant ought to come up with a range of "Memorial" tartans.
Quote Originally Posted by Chas View Post
The information held within The Scottish Register of Tartans for the "Leatherneck" tartan is shown below.

STA ref: 3612
STWR ref: none
Designer: Hall & Macleod
Tartan date: Not Specified
Registration date: This tartan was recorded prior to the launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans.
Category: Military

Restrictions:

Registration notes: Designed by Bob Hall and R H Macleod for the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Foundation. Does not have the sanction of the Corps but is sometimes sold as the 'U.S. Marines.'
So, isn't this tartan exactly what Rathdown suggests would be appropriate as a tribute?

Anyone can go online to buy all sorts of apparel, home decor and novelties emblazoned with the Marine Corps emblem and typography, none of which is endorsed by the Marines or the DoD. No one would object to using a USMC themed bottle opener, but wearing a uniform as if one deserved it is taboo, so where should the line be drawn, exactly? Why does a commemorative tartan deserve special status and a commemorative wall clock does not? Where in the rank are "USMC" tank tops and sweat shirts? What would you say if you saw a grandma in one of the hoodies? Maybe her grandson is in training at Quantico. Or say the same garment is on a twink leaving the gym in Chelsea. His brother is in Afghanistan. Now it's on ChubRock. His father served. Which one are you going to deck for pretending to be a marine?

What is it about the tartan in particular that gives it an elevated status? In no way am I trying to promote disrespect. Rather, I think that "to honor" is a pretty good reason to show your (or your father's) colors.

Regards,
Rex.