Headed to the Navy Ball again

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

How about I would wear medals to a black tie corporate event?

Jim

I personally wouldn't wear medals to any black tie, or corporate, event unless the invitation specifically said: Black Tie, Medals. To do otherwise might give the false impression that you were trying to "show off".

[Drac]

We'll agree to disagree then. As I mentioned, Burns himself was a soldier, and the traditions of the Burns Supper have followed Scottish soldiers to many a battlefield, the most recent being Iraq. I don't see where a function honouring the national poet of Scotland, who volunteered to defend his country from possible invasion "demeans or cheapens" the meaning of medals. My friends who are ex-servicemen, btw, do not wear their medals at our Burns Suppers as a "hey, look at me!" thing -- they wear them to honour Pte. Burns of the Dumfries Volunteers, and the many Jocks who have stood beside us in a common cause of freedom. Burns even honoured our first C-in-C, General Washington, with a poem.

Not to mention that one of the first Burns Suppers was held by NCOs and other ranks of the Argyll Militia in 1801, giving the Burns Supper tradition a military origin.

T.

I may have to move up research on Burns a bit on the list. Like most Americans my only exposure to him is on New Years Eve. Since there is so much to learn around here I'd kind of push him to the back. Since I have no rythem and quite frankly, horrible taste in music, researching a poet never was a high priority. I plan to drag my wife to a Burns Dinner this year so I guess I better brush up.

Thanks,
Jim

[macwilkin]

I may have to move up research on Burns a bit on the list. Like most Americans my only exposure to him is on New Years Eve. Since there is so much to learn around here I'd kind of push him to the back. Since I have no rythem and quite frankly, horrible taste in music, researching a poet never was a high priority. I plan to drag my wife to a Burns Dinner this year so I guess I better brush up.

Thanks,
Jim

Here are a few articles to get you started:

http://www.scottishmilitaryarticles....cle_RB_RDV.htm
http://www.milwburnsclub.org/contrib/soldier.htm
http://www.worldburnsclub.com/expert..._influence.htm

T.

[davidlpope]

Though my wife has put her foot down. When wearing a tartan I am forbiddion under the "Oh shot me now clause" of our marrage (it forbids things like going out of the house in curlers) of wearing another patterned item. There will be no hound's tooth jacket with a kilt and argyle hose.

That's really too bad. I find that traditional highland dress is chock full of mixing different patterns!

Here's a great photo of Maclean of Dochgarroch showing how well this works:

[Jock Scot]

Jim I know I did not serve in you country's forces, but I can tell you as a young Officer I and my brother Officers and I am sure the men too, just loved talking to the "Old Soldiers" and their tales of the past. Pretty grim tales some of them were and some humorous ones too! These stories gave us a connection to the past and we loved these chaps being around. Not one of them ever boasted, they did not need too, all were very self effacing, even if their medals said otherwise.

Now I have met the occasional retired American serviceman and yes they were dressed in civilian attire as befitting their status, but on the appropriate occasion they wore their miniature medals--only those----no badges, no wings, no anchors and no badges of rank.

Wear your miniatures(only) on the appropriate occasion, if you wish, with the kilt and be proud of them. You earned them. But only at the proper time.That way the younger generation will learn about their past from people that REALLY know.

[Detroitpete]

Lads,

I am very sorry that it appears as though my initial comments about my own opinions related to the wearing of medals on civilian attire, have lead to some discord and help to move this thread away from the OP's intention. It was not my intention to do this in any way. I have learned--again-- that just because one may have an opinion, it doesn't mean it always needs to be shared. My opinions are simply that--and come from my own military experience.

To Drac: Thank you again for your service and for attending our Navy Ball. To the others on this thread who may have become upset during our discussion--I appologize if my opinion or the manner in which I shared it, has lead to that. I will continue to be of my own opinion, but that doesn't mean I value yours any less, or in some way value less your military service--thank you all for your service and sacrifice.

BTW--I actually priced what it would cost to update and mount my mini's if I were to decide to wear them to functions like the Navy Ball. At 'discount', the mounted price--just for mini's is $295.00 plus shipping! WOW--Those of you who DO wear these, definitely have more of an investment in these than I had even thought of before.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Pete-- no heartburn here. None that was until I saw the cost of replacing your miniatures! YIKES! I'm calling my insurance agent and making sure these (and my father's medals) are specifically covered by my home owner's insurance. I'd suggest others might want to do the same.

[Drac]

Here are the results -

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...69/#post919748

Jim

[zjrog]

Personal opinion, since I didn't read this till this evening... When I retired 9 years ago from the Navy, I put away all my uniforms, and medals and everything. I realize I am entitled to wear the uniform I spent 20 years in. I'm undecided whether I will wear a uniform OR medals for formal events. Of course, I'd have to BUY new uniform items, as I've, um, expanded some since retirement! Although, I fully understand using the mounted medal since its costly to get them properly mounted...

I have a friend, also retired, from a sister service, that chooses to wear full Mess Dress for many formal events (weddings, funerals). Not sure I'm prepared to do the same, but maybe, someday...

One other issue, I no longer CARE to shave regularly, nor keep a military haircut. So, perhaps, uniform items are no longer for me... Good thing I work outdoors and away from the public then.