two magnificent Victorian doublets on Ebay

[Hopper250]

I understand that Honors are given for distinction. With the 128th having also fought for over 600 continuous days during WWII (longer than any other American unit) they might have earned a second one. Looking at American Units though they seem to take a single name or distinction and keep just that one.

[creagdhubh]

I cannot speak for American military traditions, Jim, but these names of battles past are Battle Honours bestowed upon British Regiments that served in a particular battle with distinction, not just for being there. These Battle names are sewn into the Regimental Colours which traditionally were the rallying point for the Regiment. Therefore it is part and parcel of the vital and essential British Regimental traditions. The names on those Regimental Colours are not just a list of names written on a whim, they are hard earned, paid for in blood and tears and it matters not if the battle happened in 1692 or 2014 those Honours mean everything to the British soldier.

I quite accept that every country has its own traditions, but one thing for certain sure, is every serviceman and woman in the UK Armed Services will unite around their Regimental/unit Colours and those Battle Honours that their unit has earned over time. Whilst those names might mean little to the rest of the world, they mean one heck of a lot to us in the UK. So whether those names are on a flag, sporran, collar dogs, cap badge , drum, bugle, brooch they mean a heck of a lot to us.

As a former active-duty U.S. Marine NCO, in my opinion, the same goes for the U.S. Marine Corps; its colours and multitude of battle honours/streamers, as well as all of the uniform insignia to include our most precious, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The EGA can only be earned; it is never given, and is the hallmark of every U.S. Marine. I take great offence to those who wear the EGA, or any other type of USMC insignia to which they have not earned as a U.S. Marine. If a civilian, or a family member related to a U.S. Marine, wore a t-shirt that reads, "USMC" with a picture of a EGA, or whatever, that would certainly not offend me for obvious reasons...it's purely a t-shirt and not issued U.S. Marine Corps uniform insignia. There's a big difference.

[creagdhubh]

These Regimental items are laden with symbolism. Take for example the crown that sits atop many Commonwealth regimental cap badges. If you and your country don't acknowledge the Monarch, why would you wear Her crown on your attire?

I believe many people in America (I see them at Highland Games and various Scottish related gatherings all the time) do this simply because they think it looks "cool." I've never understood it. Just my two cents.

[David Host]

I can agree with what hopper said about US Army honors. Wearing regimental insignia in civilian attire is verboten. We take pride in our history. Michigan 126th infantry (now cavalry who I spent a deployment with), the "Ghost Mountain Boys".
The 32nd Division logged a total of 654 days of combat during World War II, more than any other United States Army division.