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

**kiltedinUSMC** · 11th August 09, 09:59 AM

Being A Marine I have no problem with you honoring your father's service with wearing the leatherneck tartan. My only beef is with people who take honors that they did not earn. But if you explain that you are wearing it for your father, no one will have a problem with it. Heck Some Marines might buy you a round!

**Sir William** · 11th August 09, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

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..

I'm very much with Peacekeeper83 and kilted in USMC on this issue. As long as you are wearing it to honor your father, but make no pretenses about being a Marine yourself -- and do not wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which must be earned before it can be worn -- I have no difficulties with your decision. Personally, I would be proud if my son did the same.

I'm an Air Force brat (and also served as an Air Force Civilian) and have considered getting an Air Force tartan tie because of that connection. I wasn't in the Air Force myself, but I spent over 20 years associated with the Air Force (and another 10 as an Army Civilian) -- thus I have no issue with your connection to the Marine Corps.

**Chas** · 11th August 09, 10:25 AM

When making up your mind, I think that this will be of interest:

The information held within The Scottish Register of Tartans for the "Leatherneck" tartan is shown below.

STA ref: 3612
STWR ref: none
Designer: Hall & Macleod
Tartan date: Not Specified
Registration date: This tartan was recorded prior to the launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans.
Category: Military

Restrictions:

Registration notes: Designed by Bob Hall and R H Macleod for the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Foundation. Does not have the sanction of the Corps but is sometimes sold as the 'U.S. Marines.'

The last paragraph is, I think, the most important, also note - there are no restrictions.

Regards

Chas

**castledangerous** · 11th August 09, 10:26 AM

removed

**Geoff Withnell** · 11th August 09, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by kiltedinUSMC

Being A Marine I have no problem with you honoring your father's service with wearing the leatherneck tartan. My only beef is with people who take honors that they did not earn. But if you explain that you are wearing it for your father, no one will have a problem with it. Heck Some Marines might buy you a round!

I agree with many others here. The Leatherneck tartan is not official. I appreciate your desire to honor your father and think wearing the Leatherneck tartan with respect is a great way to do that. Again, the title "Marine" and the Eagle Globe and Anchor is earned, and sacred to us. But please, honor your father's service. I am proud I was able to help continue the tradition he and others handed down to me and my comrades.

Geoff Withnell

**piperdown** · 11th August 09, 02:42 PM

Guys,

I am a canuck but I do own a kilt in this tartan simply because I love the look. Sorry if this offends anyone, I mean no disrespect at all.
I do respect the service the military in any country provides its citizens!!!

Cheers

**JRB** · 11th August 09, 03:18 PM

In my opinion you should wear it with pride. Pride for your father as well as pride for the USMC. I'm willing to bet that for every chap that takes offense you'll find dozens of marines and ex-marines that will approve. Make sure to buy those folks a drink!

**ChubRock** · 11th August 09, 03:29 PM

I appreciate your thoughtful responses. As I consider the tribute I will reflect upon what the uniform meant to my pop, those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice and those who live in the honor of the Corps.

**Rex_Tremende** · 11th August 09, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

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.

Originally Posted by Chas

The information held within The Scottish Register of Tartans for the "Leatherneck" tartan is shown below.

STA ref: 3612
STWR ref: none
Designer: Hall & Macleod
Tartan date: Not Specified
Registration date: This tartan was recorded prior to the launch of The Scottish Register of Tartans.
Category: Military

Restrictions:

Registration notes: Designed by Bob Hall and R H Macleod for the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Foundation. Does not have the sanction of the Corps but is sometimes sold as the 'U.S. Marines.'

So, isn't this tartan exactly what Rathdown suggests would be appropriate as a tribute?

Anyone can go online to buy all sorts of apparel, home decor and novelties emblazoned with the Marine Corps emblem and typography, none of which is endorsed by the Marines or the DoD. No one would object to using a USMC themed bottle opener, but wearing a uniform as if one deserved it is taboo, so where should the line be drawn, exactly? Why does a commemorative tartan deserve special status and a commemorative wall clock does not? Where in the rank are "USMC" tank tops and sweat shirts? What would you say if you saw a grandma in one of the hoodies? Maybe her grandson is in training at Quantico. Or say the same garment is on a twink leaving the gym in Chelsea. His brother is in Afghanistan. Now it's on ChubRock. His father served. Which one are you going to deck for pretending to be a marine?

What is it about the tartan in particular that gives it an elevated status? In no way am I trying to promote disrespect. Rather, I think that "to honor" is a pretty good reason to show your (or your father's) colors.

Regards,
Rex.