Going to Scotland and Barra

[Ron Abbott]

I'm not quite sure how to say this without it appearing offensive to our American friends, but it's certainly not intended to be........more an eye opener in the differing cultures on different sides of the pond.....

I'm sure the medals are hard earned and impressive, but in the UK it is not necessarily seen that way when it comes to Americans. It is not a personal thing and it's difficult to explain but it is because of the huge number of ribbons (is that what they are?) that are on your servicemen's chests.

Let me put it this way.....

Not long ago I was on a Canadian naval vessel as a guest. There was a US navy officer on board....he was on attachment to the Royal Canadian Navy. They were all wearing tropical whites without headwear. They looked very much the same.

A Canadian asked me which one I thought was the American and it took less than a second to identify him.....purely by the enormous rows of medal ribbons on his chest. The Canadian replied, "one is for waking up on a Monday morning, the next is for waking up on a Tuesday morning, the third is for visiting the dentist....and so on....."

The Canadians (and Brit who was on board) only wore a few ribbons and they were for service in conflict zones and bravery awards.

So, if you wear medals and rank badges in the UK, be aware that (a) most people won't have a clue what your rank badges are, and (b) if you have dozens of medal ribbons (or whatever they are called in the US), many people will have similar thoughts to the Canadian I mention above.

They mean no animosity, no nastiness, nothing like that.....it's just that you might not get the respect from people that you might think would be normal in the USA.

The whole thing about mixing military shirts, rank badges etc. with civilian gear is also seen as unusual. Yes, Brits will wear medals on civilian clothing at/on appropriate occasions (Remembrance Day etc), the regimental tie will be worn and regimental blazer badges. The old regimental glengarry/TOS/beret/caubeen may be worn at RBL parades and at remembrance days etc. but military shirts with rank badges.....can't say I've ever seen that.

Not being rude or anything like that and I'm not having a go, just trying to let you know that there are differences.

And by the way, as someone who has been in the tattoo; if it rains just think of the poor performers. The following night and the one after that and the one after that.........they are going to have to get all their kit dried and cleaned and sometimes forget the drying bit as it can't be done in time......and still wear it!!

Hope you have a great time. Biggest shame this year is that they have been advertising for civilian pipers and drummers. Although there has long been civilian bands/groups in the tattoo......this is taking it a step further. A result of declining numbers of pipers/drummers in the Regular and Reserve....and/or a result of increasing military commitments overseas?
And as someone who