Polaris Tartan

[fhpdo]

I have a couple of questions concerning the Polaris Navy (submarine) tartan.
I am especially looking for the opinions of you guys that are vets , no matter what branch. I am considering getting a kilt made in this tartan and would like opinions on if it would be appropriate for me to wear. I was not in the Navy but my father was and was also a submariner. I would be wearing this tartan to honor him ,but I don't want step on anyones toes in the process. I realize that anyone can wear what they like but I am very respectful of the military tartans and respect the fact that they should be earned but would love to know how you guys feel.
Thanks in advance
John

[CameronTaylor]

Isn't honor they father and mother one of the commandments? God says you can wear it ...


CT - and I won't argue with Him.

[fhpdo]

I love your logic CT.
John

[Andrew Breecher]

I can't think of a single person who would fault you for wearing a tartan to honour the service your father gave to his country.

Andrew.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

All I can do is caution you that I have encountered some folks over the years who have actually served on the Polaris, some of which were wearing the tartan, who expressed the deeply held opinion that unless you actually served on the submarine, you have no business wearing the tartan.

I just reviewed the notes on file in the ITI for the tartan, and no mention was made about it being restricted in any way. So if you wanted to get a kilt from the tartan, there should be no problem there.

If anyone asks you why you are wearing the tartan, and you tell them that your father served on the Polaris, then I doubt anyone would have a real problem with that (though read the top paragraph -- some might). However, if your father was in the Navy but never served on the Polaris, you might consider instead the Edzell Navy tartan.

The Edzell tartan was originally designed for the Edzell Navy base in Scotland, however it is regularly used by any and all in the Navy, regardless of whether or not they ever set foot on the Edzell base. The Polaris tartan, on the other hand, seems in practice to be used only by those who actually served on the Polaris.

Aye,
Matt

[highlander_Daz]

I can only add that in the UK, its appropriate to wear the medals of a deceased relitive at formal occasions, and you sometimes see widows/children wear in Glangarries/tams etc, On rememberance sunday I wear Gordon Tartan because of family connections to the Gordon Highlanders -Ive never served in the Gordon Highlanders (Im not old enough!!!) but many veterans have come and said how nice it is to see the Gordon Tartan still being worn, Ive never had a veteran challange me becasue I never served with the Gordons. (and im not called Gordon).

how about writing to the commanding officer? or charman of an association ?for a yay or nay?

In my mind honouring ones family, especially one who have served in the military is something that really should be encourged, especially by young people.

[macwilkin]

I believe that the Polaris tartan is also the offical tartan of the US Naval Academy's Pipe Band:

http://www.usna.edu/Pipes/

I wonder what those gentlemen that Matt mentioned would say about Mids wearing it? -- Not being a smartaleck there, just curious.

My own personal thoughts: considering that the Government Sett (Black Watch) & other military tartans are being worn by many people who never served in the RHR, I really don't see a problem with someone wearing it to honour his father's service. As Daz mentioned, in the UK and in Australia, children, grandchildren, etc. often wear medals, glengarries, etc. of their relatives on Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day, etc. is a way to honour their service -- although I must point out when wearing medals, they are worn on the right lapel to distinguish that they are being worn by family members. A friend of mine who is ex-RAN and a member of the Returned Services League in Queensland first told me about this, and I saw it firsthand when he sent me a tape of the Brisbane ANZAC Day parade.

As long as you are not wearing a USN uniform to impersonate a member of that branch, I personally see nothing wrong with it. However, Matt's suggestion about the Edzell tartan might be a better choice.

I'll ask my priest what he thinks about it -- He served at Holy Loch, the US submarine base in Scotland where the Polaris tartan was designed. ;)

On a related note, almost every ex-serviceman I have talked to whilst doing reenacting/living history has loved the idea of "young folks" taking an interest in their service so much as to "re-create" it -- as long as it is done with reverence and respect. My grandfather, who served in the CBI theatre in WWII (may he rest in peace), loved the idea of living history as a way to tell people about history.

Cheers,

Todd

[KiltedKnight]

Speaking for myself and being retired from the U.S. Army for 15 years now it is my opinion that the wearing of a service related tartan should be looked on as flattery. I would feel a bit of pride seeing someone wearing and aware of the tartan dedicated to a branch of the armed forces. The only things that I would be very offended with would be seeing someone wearing ribbons or medals or especially the CIB without being entitled to it.

Chris.

[auld argonian]

Re Todd's comments about wearing medals as a tribute to your forebearers; for some time I wore my dad's wings from the WWII Army Air Corps on the lapel of a sport coat as a homage to him (he's still around...don't get me wrong). When he took off for a reunion in Holland I bought him a new leather flight jacket and a set of cloissone badges for the USAAF and the 8th Army Air Force to wear on it. I felt that I had to give him the wings back for this event and I hope that the remembers to pass them on to me when he takes off...

Best

AA

[Richland]

I'm with Kilted knight on this one. Wear it proudly. It is quite an offense to wear awards not earned. If you are trying to pass yourself off as an awarde'.
clearly this is not the case.