Wearing Your Medals With Your Kilt

[SFCRick]

veterans always have the right to wear their medals and even their last uniform as long as it does not bring disgrace to the service- such as a class A coat with camo pants-

[davedove]

Visits to the wall are deeply moving for this olde bird and I support anyone in making that journey.

Visits to Arlington National Cemetery can also be a very moving experience.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

I got a Battle E ribbon because the ship was efficient (twice). And I got a Navy Sea Service Ribbon for punching the aforementioned holes.

Let me get this straight, you get medals for having a ship "worked up" (as it is called in Royal Navy terms (combat ready and "efficient")), and then another for steaming from A to B?

And another for being able to squeeze a trigger?

Man did I join the wrong puss.

Will be kilted on ANZAC day, with medals, as it is the "tradition" here for ex serviceman to wear medals with civies on that day.

Phil C

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

veterans always have the right to wear their medals and even their last uniform as long as it does not bring disgrace to the service- such as a class A coat with camo pants-

I would say a veteran has the right to wear his or her medals or ribbons or uniforms as they choose, even if it is not according to AR 670-1. (Or the regulation that covers their branch of service.)

Their service has earned them that right.

Now that being said I would not personally wear my ribbons or uniforms with intent of being disgraceful, however, there are some that would find how I choose to wear them disgraceful no matter what I did. I am not one to go with the standards society expects for me, unless I choose to. Long hair, facial hair, piercings, and tattoos etc... Some folks don't appreciate that.

Above mentioned expectations should not preclude a veteran from wearing their ribbons proudly.

[Wolfgore]

I would say a veteran has the right to wear his or her medals or ribbons or uniforms as they choose, even if it is not according to AR 670-1. (Or the regulation that covers their branch of service.)

Their service has earned them that right.

Now that being said I would not personally wear my ribbons or uniforms with intent of being disgraceful, however, there are some that would find how I choose to wear them disgraceful no matter what I did. I am not one to go with the standards society expects for me, unless I choose to. Long hair, facial hair, piercings, and tattoos etc... Some folks don't appreciate that.

Above mentioned expectations should not preclude a veteran from wearing their ribbons proudly.

I agree 100%.
I have never served in the service,I feel that those that did have earned the right to wear those medals proudly in any way they choose.

[kiltedmapleleaf]

I left mine at the foot of a black wall some years ago while visiting some friends.

As "veteran" of a much newer conflict the meaning of this statement made me misty eyed, remember the past with pride and let no one forget the price that was payed.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Let me get this straight, you get medals for having a ship "worked up" (as it is called in Royal Navy terms (combat ready and "efficient")), and then another for steaming from A to B?

And another for being able to squeeze a trigger?

Man did I join the wrong puss.

Will be kilted on ANZAC day, with medals, as it is the "tradition" here for ex serviceman to wear medals with civies on that day.

Phil C

Not all ribbons awarded to U.S. Service personnel are indicative of having received a medal. Efficiency, training, etc. ribbons are just that-- ribbons that are worn on the uniform after all other medals.

[Teufel Hunden]

I rarely wear things that give people a reason to ask intricate details about my service. Plenty of stuff i don't like talking about, that people locally have no problem not respecting, at least in my experience.

Having said that, if other vets want to wear theirs, more power to them. Personally, i think mini-medals on a tux is adds a very distinguished look to the wearer, and with a kilt, it looks even better. I hope veterans who so choose to wear theirs get a few free beers, some hearty hand shakes, and all the stuff they've earned.

[fortcollinsjerry]

The miniatures, however, are worn with the mess dress and this is the preferred uniform for formal occasions for Officers and Staff Non-commissioned Officers. Miniatures are pretty easy to mount, and most Marines do this themselves.

Most servicemen who served a whole career in the service, have so many things to pin on that it becomes sort-of gaudy. I for one think it’s just showing off. Day-to-day uniform wear, it’s normally just ribbons, sometimes, ribbons and badges, but seldom.


Yep - that's pretty accurate. Any time I wear my stuff it's only the personal awards rather than all the "been-there-have-the-tshirt" unit & service awards. Anyone who can translate what I have knows - those who don't - well, doesn't matter



Just one veteran’s opinion.

mine too

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

For those who may not remember:

Full size medals are only worn on the uniform or civilian attire during the day;

Miniature medals are only worn on the uniform or civilian attire in the evening;

Full size and miniature medals are never worn at the same time.

Ribbons, insignia of rank, and trade badges are not intended to be worn on civilian attire.

In the United States it is against the law to wear Decorations or Medals to which you are not entitled (google "STOLEN VALOR ACT" for details).

Article 419 of the criminal code of Canada prohibits the wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals by anyone other than the individual who was awarded the honour.

In the United Kingdom, in Europe, and elsewhere, other laws regarding the wearing of Orders, Decorations, and Medals may be in force. Check with your national veteran's association for those laws which may apply in your country of residence.