Balmorals and Glengarrys

[KD Burke]

As a former military officer, I've frequently noted military badges, insignia, etc. being "sported" on civilian attire.

As an expession of free speech, I'll support to the death those who choose to do so. I do not so choose.

To me, the uniform is equivalent to a clerics vestments. An outward signifier of a higher calling. When I left the Navy I chose, quite consciously, to proudly display veterans emblems. I do not wear uniform items. Ever.

I proudly served my country. I am proud to be a veteran of the armed forces of the United States. I do not choose to display the emblems of that service on civilian attire alongside those ignorant of true service who wear them because they are "cool."

So....If you choose to wear your insignia. Fine. Just observe whose company you seem to be in.

In my experience, the ones who have "been there and done that" display the fact most often in their demeanor and bearing. No additional symbology is needed.

[fortcollinsjerry]

I do not wear uniform items. Ever.

I proudly served my country. I am proud to be a veteran of the armed forces of the United States. I do not choose to display the emblems of that service on civilian attire alongside those ignorant of true service who wear them because they are "cool."

So....If you choose to wear your insignia. Fine. Just observe whose company you seem to be in.

In my experience, the ones who have "been there and done that" display the fact most often in their demeanor and bearing. No additional symbology is needed.

Generally I would agree with your point of view and personal choices. I also am a career military retiree, however, there are acitvities and social occasions when wearing "some" uniform items is appropriate. Such as wearing a rack mineature awards at the USMC birthday ball, a Robert Burns dinner, and there are others. IMHO, it is entirly a bad form to wear anything except clan badges on scottish head gear

I just returned from a long vacation in Scotland and on more than one occasion I spotted kilted Gentlemen wearing a single row of military medals over the breast pocket of a black argyle. This was evening wear, so, under the right conditions it is entirly OK to wear them.

[voodoomed]

well said....