A Question for all Marines.

**Warlock** · 19th January 07, 03:57 PM

I am the only Sims male who never served in the Military. I am ashamed to admit it. But it certainly was not for want of trying. Master Gunnery Seargent "Top" Odom personally drove me to the U.S.M.C. Induction centre. Because I had severe bleeding ulcers at age 12, I was exempt from Military Duty. I have tried them ALL. I even tried Last year when the U.S. Army said they were taking 4o year olds. Gout stopped that.
My Father: PFC. T. M. Sims, 3rd Army, Served with Gen. G.S. Patton WWII, Bronze Star, Purple Heart. Brother: Admiral T.M. Sims Jr. U.S. Navy, Ret. Uncles were Army-Air Corps, and Marines. A long and proud heritage that I am unable to share in. I would never do anything to dishonour any Uniform.
I would have done anything to have been able to serve my country. That's why I support the Troops FULLY! Especially my beloved Corps! Semper Fi!

**mcvarmit** · 19th January 07, 04:38 PM

i've never posted here before, so here goes, how does one were a usmc tartan with respect?

i'm a former marine and a vietnam veteran, who served in vietnam from 65-67. i've bought a USMC tartan from SWK the standard. it would have felt odd to me to purchase someone elses tartan.

just my 2 cents.

i guess i'm just getting old and cranky.

Slick McVarmit

**thescot** · 19th January 07, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by mcvarmit

i guess i'm just getting old and cranky.

Slick McVarmit

Hahahahaha. Aren't we all. And crotchety, too. At least, those of us old enough to be old enough to get away with it. I think it starts about 50.

I have no problem anyone wearing the Leatherneck tartan (designed by Bob Hall, a fine Marine) any more than a tee shirt with the EGA on it. Or anything else Marine oriented.

I take exception to folks who claim to be veterans and aren't, but that's not what you are talking about at all. It's a really nice tartan, and I got one of the cheap ones to test drive until the heavy wool models are available. (I don't care for the light material, but the workmanship is fine.)

I also wear a Gordon kilt, but I was never in the Gordon Highlanders. Same difference, I think.

Wear it with pride.

**mcvarmit** · 19th January 07, 06:36 PM

jim, since i'm new to this kilt thing, i'm still alittle fuzzy about the whole thing of wearing a kilt, even though i own 3 of the dang things already. guessed i'm hooked and didn't even know it?

of coarse your right, if you like it wear it!

Slick McVarmit

**Yaish** · 19th January 07, 07:56 PM

I'm planning on outfitting the entire wedding party in Leatherneck kilts from SWK, and other than my best man and one groomsman (and myself of course) none of them are Marines.

They will be wearing those kilts in honor of MY day though, and I know they all have respect for me and the Marine Corps, and I dont ever expect any of them to ever represent themselves as Marines when they arent.

To me it is no different than a bumper sticker or a T-shirt. When done with pride and integrity it can only be a positive thing.

**filman** · 19th January 07, 08:22 PM

were it with pride, tell people what it is and why you have it.

**Warlock** · 20th January 07, 07:07 AM

Thanks, Lads. I really appreciate the feedback. Now you Army and Navy boys, If you're willing to "donate" some kilts in my size, I will GLADLY wear them as well. But like most every one, I have to pick and chose, due to monetary constraints. One day I will have one for each of the Armed Forces. When I finish the sporran, I'll post picks.

**mddock58** · 20th January 07, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by mcvarmit

i've never posted here before, so here goes, how does one were a usmc tartan with respect?

i'm a former marine and a vietnam veteran, who served in vietnam from 65-67. i've bought a USMC tartan from SWK the standard. it would have felt odd to me to purchase someone elses tartan.

In some way or another, every tartan is someone else's tartan. The Tartan/Clan system is an identification\association with that particular tartan or Clan. It is not specifically exclusive of "all others" (though there are some respective requirements as far as loyalty and/or pedigree)

Honoring what the tartan represents is the chief requirement. As far as the Leatherneck Tartan, though there is no official designation as THE USMC tartan, it represents the Marine Corp.

It should be worn honoring what it represents. Not trying to say that ONLY those that should wear it ARE Marines, but that we respect and uphold those who are Marines.
In no way should someone wear this and try to pass themselves of for a Marine if they have never served. That is like someone putting on a "Black Belt" and calling themselves a Master in Martial Arts, unless you have been there, it is showing disrespect by trying to assume the "title".

In my case (I have a SW Leatherneck economy), I think of my Father, who was in the USMC at the end of the Korean War. As well I know other Marines, and respect all that they (and the other branches of service as well) do for our country.

At the time when I could have served, I had some conflicts within myself as to whether I could serve with the proper intentions, or how I could serve. Most of this was because of what came out of the times.

I now hold the military in high respect, and show that in any way I can.

Hope this helps.

and

**cormacmacguardhe** · 20th January 07, 07:24 PM

I plan on someday buying a Leatherneck tartan, I will be wearing it to honor both the USMC and my brother who served in Korea during the conflict there in the 50's.

**Warlock** · 21st January 07, 12:13 AM

My father-in-law, Has been admitted to hospital. He was a Marine who Just missed Korea and was discharged before Vietnam. He had a perforated colon. We don't know if he will make out of hospital. After the Corps he served as a Police Officer on the Memphis Police Department. He is a very good man, and our prayers are with him. If I don't get to post for a few days, it's because we are at hospital.