My Pops was a Leatherneck, Can I wear a USMC Kilt?

**JRB** · 11th August 09, 03:18 PM

In my opinion you should wear it with pride. Pride for your father as well as pride for the USMC. I'm willing to bet that for every chap that takes offense you'll find dozens of marines and ex-marines that will approve. Make sure to buy those folks a drink!

**Inchessi** · 20th August 09, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by JRB

In my opinion you should wear it with pride. Pride for your father as well as pride for the USMC. I'm willing to bet that for every chap that takes offense you'll find dozens of marines and ex-marines that will approve. Make sure to buy those folks a drink!

For the record, it's "Former Marine" ex is a wife.

**dfmacliam** · 20th August 09, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Inchessi

For the record, it's "Former Marine" ex is a wife.

LOL.... we were always taught... "Once a Marine..,Always a Marine... there are no ex's or formers.."

**ChubRock** · 11th August 09, 03:29 PM

I appreciate your thoughtful responses. As I consider the tribute I will reflect upon what the uniform meant to my pop, those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice and those who live in the honor of the Corps.

**Rex_Tremende** · 11th August 09, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

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.

Originally Posted by Chas

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.

**WeaselMender** · 14th August 09, 09:59 AM

double post

**JolyStNicholas** · 14th August 09, 10:06 AM

The kilt/tartan to honor your father wouldn't cause me any grief.

But the E.G.A., Never! You earn those by being a Marine, and only in that way do you ever wear them.

Just my opinion, nothing personal.

**Chas** · 14th August 09, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by JolyStNicholas

The kilt/tartan to honor your father wouldn't cause me any grief.

But the E.G.A., Never! You earn those by being a Marine, and only in that way do you ever wear them.

Just my opinion, nothing personal.

Sorry, what is 'the E.G.A.' ?

Regards

Chas

**Ogden_Piper** · 14th August 09, 10:36 AM

Chas,
E.G.A. Stands for "Eagle, Globe and Anchor" the symbol of the Marine Corps.

I was a Marine and I love wearing my Leatherneck kilt, I was born into a family without any Scottish roots so for me this is my "Clan" Tartan. My son who is 8 also has a Leatherneck kilt. I think if you wear any Tartan, let alone the USMC Tartan, that as long as you honor it and know something about the tartan and what it represents you should wear it.

Eric

**dfmacliam** · 14th August 09, 10:35 AM

Eagle, Globe, and Anchor... The symbol of the Marine Corps... And in that reference is the EGA devices that should not be worn.... Not a t shirt or other accessories , as eluded to in a previous post.... It's due to some to claim to be Marines, when they never served. Mind you, we are a very proud bunch, because the Marines are not your average military service... We are the first to fight..even in peacetime. We have a long history, and a reputation that has always been reenforced...even with young men fighting today.. Not only am I very proud of being a Marine.. But even more proud my son is one, too.