A Question of Propriety

[Bill]

I have a question on a matter of propriety. My older brother was a Vietnam Vet serving with the Corps of Engineers and saw duty as a tunnel rat. I would like to honor his memory by wearing a kilt pin with the Army insignia as shown in another thread. My question is this: Would I be out of line by doing so having never served myself(they wouldn't take me due to a heart condition) and therefore having no direct right to wear such an item. I am proud of my brother and his service to his country. We laid him to rest five years ago in this month and he has been much on my mind of late.

Bill

To all of you who have served and are serving please accept my humble thanks.

[switchblade5984]

I have a question on a matter of propriety. My older brother was a Vietnam Vet serving with the Corps of Engineers and saw duty as a tunnel rat. I would like to honor his memory by wearing a kilt pin with the Army insignia as shown in another thread. My question is this: Would I be out of line by doing so having never served myself(they wouldn't take me due to a heart condition) and therefore having no direct right to wear such an item. I am proud of my brother and his service to his country. We laid him to rest five years ago in this month and he has been much on my mind of late.

Bill

To all of you who have served and are serving please accept my humble thanks.

i would say not at all wear it in memory of your brother, and to all those serving if anyone asks it may be a long conversation.

your welcome....

[Kilted KT]

I agree, wear it as a tribute to him, and wear it well..

[Yaish]

Those who have served and have a right to take offense, wont when they understand it is to honor your brother. After all, he is THEIR brother too.

Those who havent served, and who dont understand and might take offense. Well, they dont count anyway.

Wear it well, wear it proudly, and thank you for remembering.

[James]

From a British Army perspective, I think your idea is a good one: for you are with a specific reason wearing an arm of service badge.

However to wear medals or decorations in such a way would be soemthing entirely different, and not to British eyes acceptable.

James

[kiltedjaz]

Bill
I would just like to say, what a wonderfully thoughtful idea. I'm very sure your brother would be so pleased and even honoured for you to wear it.
It is important that we never forget those who died in the service of their country, irrespective of political ideals.
Wear your pin with pride.

Kindest regards

[davedove]

From a British Army perspective, I think your idea is a good one: for you are with a specific reason wearing an arm of service badge.

However to wear medals or decorations in such a way would be soemthing entirely different, and not to British eyes acceptable.

James

I'm in complete agreement with James here. The Army seal is no a medal or decoration, so wear it with pride. If anyone does question it, you have a real good reason.

Personally, I think it is even more of a tribute for a Vietnam Vet, since they saw so little recognition at the time.

[Jerry]

From a British Army perspective, I think your idea is a good one: for you are with a specific reason wearing an arm of service badge.

However to wear medals or decorations in such a way would be soemthing entirely different, and not to British eyes acceptable.

James

I'd agree with wearing the badge. The medals and decorations would be viewed by americans in the same way.

[macwilkin]

The Army seal is no a medal or decoration, so wear it with pride.

From first glance at the picture, the Army kilt pin and cap badge appears very similar, if not the same, as the Great Seal of the United States. I see nothing wrong with an American citizen wearing such a device.

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.

Cheers,

Todd

[mrpharr]

As a vet myself I would only be honored if one of my brothers decided to wear a piece of regalia in my honor. Like the post before, as long as you don't pass yourself off as the veteran I believe it is a very touching idea.