Semper Fi from Central Virginia!

**Leatherneck Donald** · 16th May 14, 06:21 PM

Ahoy, X Marks friends!

I've been wearing a kilt since 1999, mostly to Games and Festivals, but some formal events as well. I've been wearing it more often here of late.

My first kilt was a heavy wool, bought at Celtic Connections in Fredericksburg, Va. Clan Leatherneck Tartan. I also got my Prince Charlie jacket at the same store. The store was owned by an older gent who was a Marine veteran, and his son who was also a Marine vet and a piper. They've been closed for a number of years.

After that kilt shrunk as I got older, I bought a OD Green Utilikilt. Somehow that one also shrunk. I now have a USMC Tartan Sport Kilt. I'm in the process of getting that one to grow, so I can hopefully be back in my wool one before the Richmond, Va. Celtic Festival and Highland Games in October.

I don't want to violate the rules about advertising, so no links, and I won't mention it again unless someone asks a specific question (moderators - please let me know if I need to redo this), but I think this is a really neat story...

I am the National Commander of the Clan Leatherneck Society. Clan Leatherneck was started in 1962 by a group of Marines stationed on a submarine tender based in Scotland. One of them, Wayne Watkins, started organizing a reunion by gathering the Marines to host a tent at the Richmond games back in the late 90s. His son, Michael, was also a Marine and he took part with his dad and comrades. For a number of years, Clan Leatherneck hosted a tent at the games and sponsored the trophy. During that time, I became acquainted with the Watkins family, and each year I looked forward to marching in the Parade of Clans with Michael. Last year, they allowed me to take over the reins of Clan Leatherneck, and it is becoming a membership society, with the ultimate goal of "Celebrating Celtic heritage and Marine Corps tradition," and assisting Marines in need.

We had our first public appearance marching in the Alexandria (Va.) Scottish Christmas Walk parade in 2013 (a really nice event if you ever get the chance to go or participate...) you may be cool, but you'll never be Santa Clause, riding in a vintage Jaguar convertible, playing bagpipes cool ;-)

After being out of the Marine Corps for over 20 years, I finally got around to getting a set of miniature medals made for wearing with my Prince Charlie. My wife and I are going to an awards ceremony at Quantico next week where Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Dakota Meyer is the speaker. I'll be in semi-formal Highland regalia. If I get a photo with Sgt. Meyer, I will certainly share it here.

I wear a solid black Balmoral that I've had since about 97 or so. The crest is the EGA in a belt. I think a bunch of folks make it now, but when I got it, the story was that they were being hand made for Celtic Connections.

I have two Sgian Dubhs. One is a heavy-duty, hand forged blade with a hand carved grip that a friend made for me as groomsman gift. The other is razor sharp handmade blade with a gorgous buckeye burlwood handle and embedded Eagle Globe and Anchor made by Michael McRae of Scotia Metalworks.

Now that I have responsibilities and a duty to the Celtic community, I plan to get involved with the Emerald Society and other local groups to help spread the lifestyle and get more people involved.

**Steve Ashton** · 16th May 14, 07:47 PM

Welcome to X Marks, and Semper Fi right back at you.

Here is my USMC Dress Blue Tartan Kilt.

I don't want to be too much of a stick in the mud but may I please ask that you take a moment to look over our FAQ's. You may find some interesting stuff.

In particular perhaps would be this from our "Guidelines on Public Representation of X Marks". I bring this up because you opened your Newbie post by saying "Ahoy, X Marks Clan"

"X Marks is renowned around the world as a friendly community of kilt wearers. Our members gather here, on-line, for polite discussion and to share the sense of community and brotherhood which we have developed over the years.
While this may seem to be similar to the function of the Scottish Clans and Clan Societies, to avoid any confusion and prevent offense to members of accepted Scottish Clans;

Members of X Marks will not refer to this forum as Clan X Marks.
Members will not imply or suggest that this forum is a Clan.
No member of this forum will attempt to carry an X Marks banner or participate in a "Parade of the Clans" or other Clan function as a representative of the forum.

There are many unfortunate examples of social or commercial groups attempting to participate in Clan activities, such as "Parade of Tartan" events, and in so doing creating serious discontent. We wish to ensure that X Marks upholds its reputation of respect for Scottish and Clan tradition, and that we never become embroiled in such controversies."

While your society can and may choose to call itself a Clan we, here at X Marks, do not.

**Leatherneck Donald** · 17th May 14, 02:53 AM

Steve,

I really like that Dress Blues Tartan. I've read part of the thread about that and plan to make it my next kilt.

The info about how to refer to X Marks is duly noted and I just edited the greeting to reflect that.

Thanks,
Donald

**Chas** · 17th May 14, 03:15 AM

Hello Donald,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

**Spartan Tartan** · 17th May 14, 03:36 AM

from Rhode Island.

**Mael Coluim** · 17th May 14, 04:22 AM

Greetings from I-95, Exit 126!

Celtic Connection! Boy does that bring back memories!

Be sure to make the trip to The Virginia Scottish Games on Aug 30 & 31 at The Plains's Great Meadows.