A Question of Propriety

[ronstew]

Doesn't the army hand out free ball caps? Isn't there a NASCAR stock car embalzoned with the word "ARMY?" The army likes it when people wear its stuff, within certain limitations, and this case is well within those limitations.

[KiltedKnight]

This is the first I gave thought to this but if you never served but still want to honor your brother I think the best way would be with the small pin, about the size of a dime that has the ARMY symbol on it pinning on a small black ribbon or perhaps circled with a round black ribbon. I can't see anyone being against that.

Chris.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Bill, I would agree with others, wear it with pride and honor for your brother, and if anyone sks why you are wearing it, explain that it is to honor your brother and his service to his country.

[Richland]

There are many badges you could wear to honor your brothers memory
The Combat Engineers Branch insignia (castle) might look great as a kilt pin. as long as you could get it in miniature.

[Riverkilt]

Bill,

WEAR IT!

Wear it with pride.

Consider wearing it with AmeriKilts or Freedom Kilts tiger stripe camo kilt.

You might even be able to find some tunnel rat embroidered patches on some of the websites that sell Army logo gear.

If you're concerned someone would think it was worn for yourself maybe back it with a black ribbon.

Ron

[davedove]

I agree with James about the medals and decorations as well, with one noteable exception: The Australian tradition of allowing children, grandchildren, etc. to wear the medals and decorations of their fathers, grandfathers, etc. on ANZAC Day (April 25th) and Remembrance Day (November 11th) -- they are worn on the right breast, not the left, and many of these young people march with their dad or grandad's old comrades, a fitting and very personal tribute, INMHO. I've been told by Australians that it "passes the torch" of remembrance to these young people to ensure that what their relatives did will never be forgotten.

I do like that tradition Todd. It would be nice to see something like that in the US. And it might help educate some folks about what the medals mean.

[oneride]

for what its worth, my first reaction to the post was do what ever makes you feel right, thats why most of us ,if not all of us are here!
i know they have several pins that are of the type " gone but not forgoten" or POW-MIA. withc might be an option. but now i would say that the black ribon idea is the best.. it would identify the meaning easly

[Bill]

To each of you my thanks. Although I haven't got the kilt pin yet it will be purchased this week. I was hesitant to proceed with a purchase that could turn to an offense to the men and women in the service, I believe they have enough of that.
My brother was a good man with a good heart and I will be proud to honor him and his brothers in arms by wearing the pin with a twist of black ribbon.

Thank-you again my friends.

Bill

BTW it will be the kilt pin Alexis Malcom sells

[Shay]

I like the black ribbon idea too. Well, not like, but you get the idea.

As far as I remember, if you're wearing official military insignia, but not trying to emulate an actual military member (like wearing your grandad's pips as cuff links) you're okay legally, too. It's how tastefully you do it that has the social force behind it.

[Troy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cajunscot
I agree with James about the medals and decorations as well, with one noteable exception: The Australian tradition of allowing children, grandchildren, etc. to wear the medals and decorations of their fathers, grandfathers, etc. on ANZAC Day (April 25th) and Remembrance Day (November 11th) -- they are worn on the right breast, not the left, and many of these young people march with their dad or grandad's old comrades, a fitting and very personal tribute, INMHO. I've been told by Australians that it "passes the torch" of remembrance to these young people to ensure that what their relatives did will never be forgotten.

I do like that tradition Todd. It would be nice to see something like that in the US. And it might help educate some folks about what the medals mean.

I totally agree - there is a huge difference between honouring the memory of a loved one who served and trying to pass yourself off as one who served.

Last ANZAC Day I took my 7 year old daughter to the Dawn Service. I was kilted (of course) and wore a sprig of rosemary on my left breast, as is the custom. The rosemary was held in place by my Grandfather's 9th Light Horse insignia. I got nothing but positive comments, and my daughter was honoured to walk by my side.

Lest We Forget,

Troy