Medals with civilian attire
Somebody always quotes Army regulations about the wearing of medals with civilian attire. I submit that these regulations are intended to apply to those persons currently serving, and the military, concerned about their personnel appearing in a consistent manner, are seeking to regulate their appearance and one cannot argue with their authority to do so.
Once a veteran has been discharged, I do not believe that one is restricted to such a limited standard. Some time ago, a US Seceretary of Veterans affairs issued a statement encouraging vererans to wear their awards on appropriate patriotic occasions. I believe these occasions could include many events in addition to national holidays. These awards were given to YOU as a personal gift from a grateful nation in recognition of service or personal valor, and you can display or wear them on any appropriate occasion.
Appropriate? Who decides? Holidays, ceremonies, rememberances--I notice that Briitish veterans seem to wear them more often than Americans. Consider that yes, veterans CAN wear their complete former uniform on appropriate occasions, but some times it would be appropriate, other times not, and certainly not all the time. Common sense would be the guide
"...the Code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules."
Captain Hector Barbossa
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