My Pops was a Leatherneck, Can I wear a USMC Kilt?

[ChubRock]

My Pop signed up in 1937 to be a Marine. After service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, he retired after 35 years, NCO of course Semper Fi!!!

I did not follow in his footsteps, instead he thought it important for me to go to college. I gave ROTC a try for two years (Air Force) and decided that life wasn't for me. Scouting prepared me for discipline, but the AF is another story.

Now I wonder, is it appropriate to own and wear a USMC kilt to wear in his honor in the same manner in which I honor our tartan?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

That's up to you. In my book Leatherneck tartan is on a par with a club tie-- it shows that the wearer is (or was) a Marine. I suspect that some Marines may feel "protective" about the tartan, while others probably couldn't care less. My guess is that with the present expanded role of all branches of the US military, veterans may, in the future, take a more proprietary view of these tartans adopting the attitude that "If you didn't serve, you don't deserve to wear it." This, frankly, is my opinion-- one I can assure you isn't necessarily shared by all.

Given that there are many people out there who would like to show affection for a branch of service to which they have no direct connection (ie: they didn't serve) it would seem to me that some enterprising merchant ought to come up with a range of "Memorial" tartans. These would be similar to those associated with the various services (including police and fire), but wouldn't imply that the wearer had ever served in that branch. This would allow someone to commemorate the service of an ancestor, without inadvertently giving offense to a veteran.

So, should you wear Leatherneck tartan? It's really up to you.

[davedove]

MacMillan is right that some Marines might object and others wouldn't care. There are still others who would be honored once you explained why.

It's really up to you, but be prepared to explain your reasons to those who might ask.

[Riverkilt]

My Pops was a fighter pilot for the Royal Air Force. I wasn't. Before I ordered the R.A.F. tartan material for a kilt I spoke with Arthur Mackie, the man who designed the tartan and controls its sale. He thought it was wonderful to honor my father's service by wearing the R.A.F. tartan.

There would seem to be a parallel for the unofficial Leatherneck tartan. While I had a brief stint as a cold warrior I wear the Leatherneck tartan to honor my late little brother's service rather than my own.

Seems to me that as long as a tartan is unofficial anyone can wear it for whatever reason. Its pretty hard to be thought of as a poser if the tartan itself is unofficial.

Key is that your heart is in the right place.

Ron

[george7]

It goes either way. Marines have said 'go do it' on this forum, in honor of the marines. But I wouldn't.

[Riverkilt]

To me, there's a huge difference between someone with no USMC connection deciding to wear the Leatherneck tartan because they like the tartan (it is most handsome), and someone who's father served 35 years in the Corps through three wars wearing the tartan to honor their father and his service.

Ron

[KFCarter]

This is a question that I struggle with and still don't really know my own mind about it. I am an Army brat and my father was a military man from an early age, seeing combat in China ("unofficially" in the 1930's long before Pearl Harbor), then served in the U.S. Army for WWII and Korea. I was born on an Army base as was one of my sisters, slept with a copy of the Officer's Guide (1953 edition, I believe) on my beside table and had been taught the manual of arms by my father before he ever kicked a soccer ball around with me. However, I did not serve in our Armed Services.

I would love to honor my father's service and dedication in some way, but hesitate to wear the U.S. Army tartan. I was raised to have an understanding of what my Dad's old uniforms, ribbons and insignia represented and knew that these were for me to treasure as heirlooms, but never wear. The fact that the U.S. Army Tartan is not official does set it apart... but still I hesitate. I suppose ultimately one has to follow the dictates of their conscience and heart on such a matter and the fact that you are asking the question means that you are coming at it with an awareness of the sensitivities that surround the symbolism of these tartans.

I think Ron is right, it's not like you have no connection to the tartan, and your father's service truly deserves recognition. I'd like to know your decision... I'm still working on mine.

[vmac3205]

I too, struggle with the idea. Captmac is a Navy vet and wears the navy tartan. Should I, or shouldn't I wear a navy tartan sash. That seems to be the question. I'm still conflicted.

[dfmacliam]

In my opinon, if there is a connection, why not? If it's worn with respect. I wear it because I am a Marine...and I am very proud of that fact.. I also know there are those who cannot wear it anymore, and if a family member wears it to keep a Marines memory alive.. I am all for it. I am, and I would say every other Marine on this forum, more protective about the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.. Or the title of Marine.. Those items we earned.. the Leatherneck tartan is just a bonus..

[macwilkin]

I too, struggle with the idea. Captmac is a Navy vet and wears the navy tartan. Should I, or shouldn't I wear a navy tartan sash. That seems to be the question. I'm still conflicted.

In the British Army, "sweetheart pins", or miniature versions of regimental badges, were frequently given by soldiers to their "wives and sweethearts":

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-...weethearts.htm

I have seen American examples as well; I remember seeing one given to a wife by a US Army Air Corps pilot which was a mini version of the wing-and-propeller badge.

Regards,

Todd