Wearing Your Medals With Your Kilt

[ccga3359]

I still think the British Commonwealth custom of full size goings on day wear, and miniatures on formal (never full size on formal) is a good one. I don't see it as being snobby. Whenever I see a picture of a ex-serviceman from the Commonwealth wearing his medals, I see only a proud soldier showing the world his service for their country. Different horses for courses and all that.

Regards,

Todd

Todd I've only ever seen our vets wear their medals with day wear on November 11th, our Remembrance day and then only during parades. I feel that the reason they wear them is not so much pride but in remembrance of fallen brothers and to all veterans. One should also realize that in the British Commonwealth medals are seldom given out. My grandfather who served 4 years in WWI was awarded three medals, My father after 15 years in the RN including 5 years in WWII with numerous battle related injuries - only 5 medals. Many of our vets don't show a whole chestful of silver & bronze and coloured silk.

[davedove]

Todd I've only ever seen our vets wear their medals with day wear on November 11th, our Remembrance day and then only during parades. I feel that the reason they wear them is not so much pride but in remembrance of fallen brothers and to all veterans. One should also realize that in the British Commonwealth medals are seldom given out. My grandfather who served 4 years in WWI was awarded three medals, My father after 15 years in the RN including 5 years in WWII with numerous battle related injuries - only 5 medals. Many of our vets don't show a whole chestful of silver & bronze and coloured silk.

That was fairly true of the US Military as well during those wars. In fact, many of the medals our servicemen receive today did not even exist until the last few decades, especially some of those with lower precedence.

The special days recommended by the Veteran's Administration are Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day. Other than that, medals may be worn for military occasions, such as dinners, funerals, etc.

[macwilkin]

Todd I've only ever seen our vets wear their medals with day wear on November 11th, our Remembrance day and then only during parades. I feel that the reason they wear them is not so much pride but in remembrance of fallen brothers and to all veterans. One should also realize that in the British Commonwealth medals are seldom given out. My grandfather who served 4 years in WWI was awarded three medals, My father after 15 years in the RN including 5 years in WWII with numerous battle related injuries - only 5 medals. Many of our vets don't show a whole chestful of silver & bronze and coloured silk.

Grant -- If you read my earlier posts, I am not advocating the everyday wear of medals -- you'll notice I mention Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day, etc. I'm not saying wear them everyday.

I am also aware that the British & Commonwealth do not have the same criteria in terms of the awarding of medals, nor do they have the same amount. For example, the British Long Service & Good Conduct medal is just for that -- long service (18 years) and good conduct. As you mentioned, many ex-servicemen and women only receive just a few medals for their service -- hence why their display is one of pride and not of snobbery or arrogance.

T.