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

[Highland Logan]

When Lowland Regiments were issued the Government Sett during the late 1800s, for example, many an old Lowland soldier referred to the tartan as the "MacChilders tartan", in reference to Secretary of State for War H.C.E. Childers, who authorised the issuing of tartan to said Lowlanders.

I did not know that. Very cool fact. Thanks Todd.

Frank

[jadair]

I think as long as you wear it with the memory of your fathers service to his country, and Semper Fi to the Corps it's a good thing.

[Strings]

I actually talked this over with the local Marine recruiter today: his take is "No EGA, and you're good to go"...

[ChubRock]

All really good linkage for future threads I think fellas. I am sure I am not the first to ask this question, but I am seriously taking your answers to the bank for consideration.

[Derek Conley]

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

I'm not a fan of being called, or calling anyone, "former Marine", either... as "former" denotes something that was, but is no longer. I make it a point to refer to myself and others who no longer actively serve as "veteran Marines". Food for thought!

Anyways, I just read this entire thread and though it's hasn't been posted in in a while, having served in the USMC I wanted to give my opinion on the matter.

To make it short, I say this: it's not an "official" tartan. The USMC has not adopted it... though we, as Marines, may have done so. Because of that, and because it is recognized as the "unofficial" tartan of the USMC... I encourage anyone wanting to wear it to do so, for the following reasons:

1. They served in the Marine Corps. That goes without saying.
2. A family member served, and they honor them by wearing the tartan.
3. The wearer has utmost respect for the Corps, and shows it, though has no ties to it.

The ONLY line to be crossed would be to lie about any involvement. Trust me, we have ways of determining if an individual served, or if they're BSing us. The truth comes out very quickly. I've gone up to people wearing USMC t-shirts with the normal "Semper Fi!" and have been told... forthrightly... that they didn't serve but their father did, for instance. I have more respect for their integrity and honesty and at that point... they're just about like family to me.

Hope that makes sense.

[CooperWallace]

I would agree with Ron as well. Your heart is in the right place.

I was (am) a Marine as was my father, brothers, uncles and grandfathers. USMC fights for freedom, not fashion. Wear what you please, official or not.

Semper Fi.

Yours in freedom,

Coop

[Ancienne Alliance]

I think as long as you wear it with the memory of your fathers service to his country, and Semper Fi to the Corps it's a good thing.

My thought exactly.


Best,

Robert