40 years kilted!

**OC Richard** · 8th January 15, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by kiltedtom

I see that you graduated in 1975 or thereabouts. I graduated in 1976 (although my students believe that 1876 or maybe 1576 is the more likely year of my graduation). It makes me remember what fun that time period was. United States was party central back then. Celebrating the bicentennial and all that. Glad to meet someone else who grew up in the same time frame. Again, happy anniversary and here is to 40 more years of being kilted.

Thanks!

Yes I graduated High School in 1975, got my first pipes and first kilt that year (the pipes were my High School graduation present from my father, who wasn't sure I would stick with it).

Yes the Bicentennial was an amazing time! I can never forget July 4 1976, because I and a couple hundred other Civil War re-enactors were staging a Civil War battle on the field of a packed Anaheim Stadium, in near-darkness, with fireworks going off all around. We dubbed the pitcher's mound Little Round Top.

**Stitchwiz** · 8th January 15, 09:52 AM

1976 was a special year - the Bicentennial for the USA. I was in 2nd year of college near Philadelphia. That year every Philly sports team was winning their division and it was pandemonium each time on the turnpike as everyone made their way home. Many times I went to sleep listening to the car horns, the trumpets being blown, fireworks going off, etc. Wow, do you folks know how to celebrate!
The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been falling asleep to the sound of the pipes...

**eagle43172** · 8th January 15, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I can never forget July 4 1976, because I and a couple hundred other Civil War re-enactors were staging a Civil War battle on the field of a packed Anaheim Stadium, in near-darkness, with fireworks going off all around. We dubbed the pitcher's mound Little Round Top.

Boy that was some night. Richard and I were in the Southern Infantry unit and as I remember during our final (scripted) retreat one of our brave fellows was so into his part that he failed to notice a guy wire holding up a speaker tower that caught and broke his leg. One of the few times we had a real casualty while we battled the Northern agressors!

Dave

**mattbeaty** · 8th January 15, 06:40 PM

Bravo! I aspire to such a milestone... someday

You are an inspiration

**Father Bill** · 8th January 15, 06:50 PM

Well, good for you, but unless medicine comes up with some amazing age extenders for old guys, I probably won't live long enough to do 40 years; I'm 64 now, and only four years kilted.

Not impossible, but highly unlikely!

**denmcdough** · 8th January 15, 07:15 PM

Congratulations on a wonderful achievement, Richard. You're my hero!!

Having met Richard at the Bridgeport Highland Games in West Virginia, I can attest to the fact that he's a superb person as well as a fantastic piper! I enjoyed out brief time together. Hope we can meet again someday.

Here we are. Yes, he is TALL!

**OC Richard** · 8th January 15, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by eagle43172

during our final (scripted) retreat one of our brave fellows was so into his part that he failed to notice a guy wire holding up a speaker tower that caught and broke his leg. One of the few times we had a real casualty while we battled the Northern agressors!

Wow you have a better memory than I do... I don't remember that at all. What I do remember is us standing, waiting to go onto the field, and suddenly have pyrotechnics rain down on us, and us having to scramble to cover our muzzles, lest our rifles start going off!

Dave and I left that Southern unit and started up a 79th New York group, we being dedicated Scots kiltwearers even then.

**WillowEstate** · 9th January 15, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Well, good for you, but unless medicine comes up with some amazing age extenders for old guys, I probably won't live long enough to do 40 years; I'm 64 now, and only four years kilted.

Not impossible, but highly unlikely!

Ah yes, Father Bill but won't it be great celebrating your 40 years in a kilt and your Centenary at the same time?

**Dixiecat** · 9th January 15, 04:40 PM

Congrats!!

It's thanks to Richard that my daughter and I had a (still!) memorable day at Disneyland. I can't thank you enough! Anytime you're in NS, dinner is on me.

**MacGumerait** · 14th January 15, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Thanks!

Yes I graduated High School in 1975, got my first pipes and first kilt that year (the pipes were my High School graduation present from my father, who wasn't sure I would stick with it).

Congrats Richard on the 40 yrs !!

I too graduated High School in 1975 , got my first kilt in 1970 upon entering High School .

Back then , it was special orders thru Jack Ironside ( The Scottish Shopper , as you are quite familiar ) and literally done by phone but most often thru written correspondence . Seldom by phone ... long distance phone charges were a big deal back then .

How times have changed !

Cheers , Mike