Headed to the Navy Ball again

**Drac** · 11th October 10, 07:15 AM

Does Edzell come in 16 oz? All I've seen from Strathmore is 13 oz.

Jim

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

Hey all,

Getting ready for the Navy Ball again this weekend. Planning to step it up from last year. I will be leaving the Sport Kilt behind and am trying to decide between two kilts. One is a Kathy Lare Lamont (the leader) and a PV Gordon (Gordons, military, it's a good match). Both look great. Since I will probably be the only person kilted I doubt there will be any kilt police there. So I don't think anyone would be getting close enough to tell the differance.

I will be picking up a hand tie bow tie this weekend due to the comments from last year's review. I have a nice set of hand knitted hose coming in for my birthday Friday. I'm not sure what color since it is suppose to be a surprise. I have a set of red garters instead of the flashes. I also have upgraded my Sport Kilt day sporran to a nice blask hunter from Skye Highland Outfitters.

This year will be Formal/Black Tie optional civilian. I would assume that this would fall into PC but no vest? Also should I go with a dress belt and buckle or a cumberbun? If cumberbun, pleats up or down? I see both ways all over the Net. I will be miniture medals but I would figure not fly plaid? Granted I know there is a crowd who are against fly plaids ever but I do like them. I would guess that if no waist coat, no plaid?

Thanks all,
Jim

Hi Jim,
here are my $.02
1) Go with the hand built kilt unless there is something about the Gordon that would make wearing it more meaningful to you.

2) Good on you, getting a real bow tie. It's one of those small things that makes such a HUGE difference.

3) If you have the 3-button waistcoat for the PC, I'd go that route, personally (WITHOUT the waistplate). If you love the plaid, wear it, it's your 'do'. Personally I side with Jock on this one.

As others have noted, the pleats on a cummerbund do, in fact, point up.

**2a5t2f7** · 11th October 10, 07:34 AM

I'll jump onboard with Artificer and Jock. ... and thank you for leaving the mini-medals at home. I recently went to an affair where a gentleman had enough mini medals and larger "organization" awards on his pc to make him look like a deposed South American dictator. If he had only a few carefully chosen and significant medals it would have added to the presentation, but the overabundance of medals detracted from his otherwise professional and stately bearing. Just my $.02……..and thank you for your service!!!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 11th October 10, 11:40 AM

If the invitation to the Navy Ball says "medals" then they probably should be worn. This is the only way others-- especially those in uniform-- will have of identifying you as having served your country.

When attending a military function in civilian attire, where the wearing of medals is either required or requested, one should wear only those medals that would be worn on their service uniform. When attending a non-military function, such as a tartan ball, where the wearing of medals may be requested, then one may wear, in addition to his/her military medals, any other medals to which they are entitled.

The rules governing how medals are placed on civilian attire are different than those governing the placement of medals on military uniforms, which varies slightly between the different branches of the United States armed forces.

When worn on a coatee (or similar) with a kilt the medals should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 2-inches below the the notch of the lapel, with the top of the medal bar parallel with the floor. Depending on the number of medals worn, the medal bar may have to be adjusted slightly to the left to insure that the bottom-most row of medals remain on the lapel, and do not overhang onto the shirt.

After 6PM only miniature size medals are worn with civilian attire.

**macwilkin** · 11th October 10, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by 2a5t2f7

I'll jump onboard with Artificer and Jock. ... and thank you for leaving the mini-medals at home. I recently went to an affair where a gentleman had enough mini medals and larger "organization" awards on his pc to make him look like a deposed South American dictator. If he had only a few carefully chosen and significant medals it would have added to the presentation, but the overabundance of medals detracted from his otherwise professional and stately bearing. Just my $.02……..and thank you for your service!!!

As Rathdown mentioned, if the invitation specifically stated "medals & decorations", then this gentleman was within his right to wear them -- I tend to agree with you, though, that "less is more", but given that this is a Navy Ball, I see nothing wrong with current or former members of the US Navy wearing their decorations.

T.

**Detroitpete** · 11th October 10, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

If the invitation to the Navy Ball says "medals" then they probably should be worn. This is the only way others-- especially those in uniform-- will have of identifying you as having served your country.

When attending a military function in civilian attire, where the wearing of medals is either required or requested, one should wear only those medals that would be worn on their service uniform. When attending a non-military function, such as a tartan ball, where the wearing of medals may be requested, then one may wear, in addition to his/her military medals, any other medals to which they are entitled.

The rules governing how medals are placed on civilian attire are different than those governing the placement of medals on military uniforms, which varies slightly between the different branches of the United States armed forces.

When worn on a coatee (or similar) with a kilt the medals should be centered on the left lapel, approximately 1-inch below the the notch of the lapel, with the top of the medal bar parallel with the floor. Depending on the number of medals worn, the medal bar may have to be adjusted slightly to the left to insure that the bottom-most row of medals remain on the lapel, and do not overhang onto the shirt.

After 6PM only miniature size medals are worn with civilian attire.

My 2 cents worth: just my opinion>>>

I wouldn't pay a bit of attention to an invitation that either suggested or authorized me to wear my medals--full, ribbons or minis while in civilian attire. Since I no longer serve in active or reserve status, then there is no reason for me to ever be in uniform again. For me, my medals sit in their cases. The minis I own were worn for designated functions while in uniform.

I do not now, nor will I ever truly understand why anyone would wear any version of military medal post-service and especially on civilian attire.

Sure I'm proud to have served my country. I'm proud of the men I was with when we earned our medals. I'm proud of staying alive. To me--again ONLY one guy's opinion--wearing medals on civilian attire is just not something I feel the need to do.

If it's a matter of having others know you served---well, they can just ask me. Besides, it is usually fairly easy in such company to tell who has served and who hasn't.

**macwilkin** · 11th October 10, 11:58 AM

Post deleted. I'll let others respond.

Horses for courses.

**artificer** · 11th October 10, 12:07 PM

For the record, I said nothing about medals either way.

If it's a Navy 'do' and the invitation specifies, I'd follow the spec.

**Detroitpete** · 11th October 10, 12:23 PM

Please--no disrespect meant here at all. I just may have a different opinion on some subjects. To the OP: Please enjoy our Navy ball. To those writing here who have served their country--thank you for your service. I am by far NOT an expert on fashion protocol and the wearing of honors etc etc etc. I only know what I would do in a given situation and therefore, gave advice to that point of view.

I realize there are most likely volumes of information and protocol related to the proper wearing of ribbons, medals and minature medals. Those that choose to do so, should do what they feel they should do. I however find the wearing of ribbons/medals/minis post-service and on civilian attire to be garish. I have been to events where not only military medals were worn, but also fraternal medals etc. To my taste, these men looked very similar to a combination of door-men, costume party goers and modern-major-generals.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 11th October 10, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Detroitpete

Please--no disrespect meant here at all. I just may have a different opinion on some subjects. To the OP: Please enjoy our Navy ball. To those writing here who have served their country--thank you for your service. I am by far NOT an expert on fashion protocol and the wearing of honors etc etc etc. I only know what I would do in a given situation and therefore, gave advice to that point of view.

I realize there are most likely volumes of information and protocol related to the proper wearing of ribbons, medals and minature medals. Those that choose to do so, should do what they feel they should do. I however find the wearing of ribbons/medals/minis post-service and on civilian attire to be garish. I have been to events where not only military medals were worn, but also fraternal medals etc. To my taste, these men looked very similar to a combination of door-men, costume party goers and modern-major-generals.

I, for one, didn't detect anything disrespectful in your post(s) stating your opinion.

Your are, of course, quite correct. If one is still in the military, then one has no choice but to follow, to the letter, the appropriate regulations concerning the where and when of wearing medals.

As a civilian, one is free to do as they please.

If one chooses, on appropriate occasions, to wear medals with civilian attire then a knowledge of how it's done is a good thing as it prevents one from appearing in public, looking like a fool.