Perspective

[OC Richard]

As a Scottish Country dancer he needed a kilt and he picked a tartan he liked.

It was as simple as that

I am totally OK with that. Tartan can have all sorts of meaning.

But it can also just be beautiful and pleasing to the eye.

Choosing a tartan for its visual appeal alone is of course the oldest, most traditional way, dating back to before tartans were thought of as having any sort of group significance. Originally each web of tartan was a unique creation of the weaver (a complete Highland suit of clothes usually featured the jacket, waistcoat, trews, and plaid all in coordinating but differing tartans).

It's still the way I approach tartans and it's good to see that I'm in good company.

[creagdhubh]

Pesonally, I have no issue with it...it is an unofficial tartan... yes, it holds meaning to me, and it makes me happy to see others wearing it...be it that they are Marines, or in honor of a Marine, or The Marines... I would have issue if it was worn in a disrespectful manner...

As a Marine, the only thing I am dead set upon, is the wearing of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and using the title of Marine... those are things that are official and are earned by each and every Marine.

As a Marine, I completely agree with you. I don't care if you choose to wear the Leatherneck tartan and you aren't a Marine, but if you wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, and are not a Marine, well then that is simply bad taste and very disrespectful. Upon graduating from Marine Corps Boot Camp in MCRD San Diego in March 2000, I gave my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor cover (hat) pin to my father as a "thank you" for his diligence, love, tutelage, and understanding as a wonderful father to me over the years. He holds the EGA close to his heart and treasures it, but he does not wear it. Marines must earn the EGA, as well as the title of U.S. Marine, it is not merely given.

Semper Fidelis,

[thescot]

Pesonally, I have no issue with it...it is an unofficial tartan... yes, it holds meaning to me, and it makes me happy to see others wearing it...be it that they are Marines, or in honor of a Marine, or The Marines... I would have issue if it was worn in a disrespectful manner...

As a Marine, the only thing I am dead set upon, is the wearing of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and using the title of Marine... those are things that are official and are earned by each and every Marine.

I have to agree with peacekeeper and Kyle again. Marines love being Marines and carrying on with all the bravado and swagger that entails. The fact is, only Marines understand all that.

But I am quite happy to see anyone else doing something that uplifts the Corps, and wearing a Leatherneck tartan kilt is one of them. There is no official USMC tartan; it was designed by Bob Hall and left without restirction/copyright intentionally by him so anyone could have it.

I bought a Leatherneck for my grandson to wear--he's currently 4 months old--and I'm pretty sure no one will think him a poser. And one thing many of the rabble across the pond dont' seem to get is that in the US, we're not quite as restictive in who can wear what. I bought a regimental tie one time because it was a beautiful tie, never realizing that in the UK it would mean that I was claiming to be a veteran of the Argyles and Sutherlands! Who knew?

I don't know any Marine who would object to anyone wearing the Leatherneck tartan, especially since it's not a uniform item. (Even I wouldn't wear the uniform because I am not on active duty, but things that simply honor Marines are worn by lots of folks.) On a side note, though, I wouldn't think of wearing an Army or Navy tartan or even an Army beret when I ride with the Patriot Guard; don't want people thinkin' I one of those guys.

[zjrog]

I don't agree that just liking something is a good enough reason to buy it/use it/ wear it.

I really like the Leatherneck tartan. The colours and proportions are as near perfect to my mind. But I could not wear it, even if it was a gift. The context is that I am a proud ex RAF member and the Leatherneck tartan represents another service.

And as much as I 'like the colours', that is not good enough and it would not be right for me to wear it.

Regards

Chas

As a US Navy vet, I spent 4 years carrying Marines to the beach. I also spent a fair amount of time on the ground with them. AND, I feel it is a darned good looking tartan. I believe it will be my first tartan kilt. They are some damned fine men (and women) and always took care of this sailor when in their charge. To me, what better way to honor them? At LEAST, I have a good reason if queried or challenged.

[Ayrshire]

Upon graduating from Marine Corps Boot Camp in MCRD San Diego in March 2000

What were the odds? That's only 6 months before I graduated in 2000. Platoon 1082 Company C.

Semper Fidelis brother.