Questions for the military veterans here

**Nighthawk** · 9th December 07, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by kiltimabar

Since you mentioned your Civil War ancestors, I might mention there is a Federal Memorial tartan that is specifically designed to commemorate the service of those Boys in Blue who fought to preserve the Union. Matt Newsome made up a kilt for me from custom woven material sewn to the original design of the kilt of the 79th NY Cameron Highlanders, another celebrated Civil War regiment. It's not common, so when people ask what it is it gives you the opening to tell them about your ancestors and what they mean to you.

Wow!!! I did not know that! That's a great idea! My g-g-grandfather was with a colonel in the 65th Illinois I think.

Thanks for all the input, folks. I may have to get in touch with SWK for one of their box pleated Leathernecks. I will have to wait on the Fed Memorial, as I am having kilts made in both my family and state tartans. I can't afford three tanks right now... Heck, I can't afford two, but I'm doing them anyway.

So now one more question- It was mentioned that wearing badges that you didn't earn is illegal. I wear my great great grandfathers thistle badge. I have been wearing it as a kilt pin. Is that also illegal?I hope not- I feel just a little spring in my step when I wear it.

**Monkey@Arms** · 9th December 07, 12:44 AM

Use the search feature, this issue has been discussed soooo many time in the past year.

For example, here and here.

Best regards,

Jake

**rickmac15** · 9th December 07, 06:51 AM

I served in the Navy during the Vietnam era, Vet wher give little support or respect by civilians.so if you want to honor our service to country go for it

Rick

**kiltedcarpenter** · 9th December 07, 07:21 AM

Go for it! Army vet here and if I saw someone wearing the leatherneck or Army tartan, as long as they were not passing themselves off as avet when they were not, I would be complimented!

**TheKiltedWonder** · 9th December 07, 09:21 AM

Do you have ancestors in the Marines? Maybe the Army tartan would be more meaningful? I like the idea of the Federal Memorial tartan, but it can cost so much to have tartan custom woven. I'm not sure if the Army tartan has the same problem. That is the benefit of the leatherneck tartan. It can be found at many sites. I say wear it with pride!

**macwilkin** · 9th December 07, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by TheKiltedWonder

I like the idea of the Federal Memorial tartan, but it can cost so much to have tartan custom woven. tartan. It can be found at many sites.

Not if he contacts Matt, Barb or Kathy Lare.

T.

**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.

**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"