fly plaid and military uniform

[Geoff Withnell]

No matter which tradition is followed, I wish more veterans would wear their decorations on suitable occasions. It supports the function of decorations, to allow us to recognize and honor those who have earned them, and allows them to inspire others to emulate their example.


As to your best friend's father-in-law, as a Marine, I will be as gentle with him as the Navy Masters-at-Arms I have dealt with were with me!

The other issue is of course that technically medals and decorations should only be worn to a function if the invitation to said event specifically states, "medals and decorations". I attend two private gents-only Burns Nights which are black tie, but there are no medals and decorations worn.

I do agree with Rathdown that since the US Armed Forces does not have, in general, a long-standing tradition of Highland regiments, when in mufti, it's best to follow the customs of the British Commonwealth, given that Highland attire originated in Scotland.

I have witnessed this debate "in person" between my best friend and his father-in-law; the former served a hitch in the US Army as a combat engineer, the latter retired from the Navy as a Master-at-Arms (please, gents, be gentle on him!). My friend wears his medals court-mounted with Highland rig, while his father-in-law wears his swing-mounted, following Navy custom.

T.

[macwilkin]

No matter which tradition is followed, I wish more veterans would wear their decorations on suitable occasions. It supports the function of decorations, to allow us to recognize and honor those who have earned them, and allows them to inspire others to emulate their example.


As to your best friend's father-in-law, as a Marine, I will be as gentle with him as the Navy Masters-at-Arms I have dealt with were with me!

Well said to both points, Geoff.

I won't repeat what a friend of mine, who is an ex-Chief Stoker in the Royal Australian Navy said about MA ratings, no matter what their nationality.

T.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

No matter which tradition is followed, I wish more veterans would wear their decorations on suitable occasions. It supports the function of decorations, to allow us to recognize and honor those who have earned them, and allows them to inspire others to emulate their example.

Couldn't agree more.