Marine Corps Ball

**Geoff Withnell** · 2nd September 09, 04:47 AM

A question or two for the many of my fellow Marines here on the forum. Are you going to a Marine Corps Birthday Ball this November, and if so, are you going kilted? Have you gone kilted in previous years? How was the kilt received?

I am going to the local Marine Corps League Birthday Ball, and wearing my new Barb Tewksbury Leartheneck kilt. Just wondering what others experiences may have been.

Geoff Withnell

**timseh** · 2nd September 09, 05:08 AM

I'm absolutely going to the ball this year and definitely going Kilted. I haven't attended the ball kilted before, but don't anticipate a problem at all. I've been spotted in my kilt a few times by other members of my League detachment and no-one has had anything but positive comments so far.

**David Thornton** · 2nd September 09, 05:43 AM

Been out since 81, haven't been to a ball since 82, might be a time to return. Kilted should raise an eyebrow or two around here

David

**Kid Cossack** · 2nd September 09, 06:57 AM

Although I haven't been to a ball kilted, my brother Jared went last year in a Tewksbury box pleat 16 ounce Leatherneck, to great admiration from Devil Dogs and their ladies all around.

When I visited Jared and Camp Lejeune in July, I didn't even pack troosers, but wore (on alternating days) my USAK five yard 13 ounce Leatherneck and my Pittsburgh Kilts desert digital five yarder.

Oddly, it was the most nervous I've been in several years, and equally oddly, everyone reacted very well. When, in conversation, I explained that "this IS my clan tartan" the Teufuls were even more appreciative.

**Riverkilt** · 2nd September 09, 06:58 AM

Never, but why not - Leatherneck kilted for sure. Got me thinking. This area is lousy with Navajo Marines...maybe we could put together some sort of local gig...hmmm...and I work with two...and one is commander of the local VFW...hmmmm

Ron

**dfmacliam** · 2nd September 09, 07:16 AM

When kilted, and the encounters with the local Marines, I have had nothing but positive reactions... But then again.. Marines are going to accept anything Marine Corps related, and especially the likes of a kilt... We are a unique bunch, undoubtedly, and anything that sets us apart from the crowd is going to be embraced. I, too, have explained that this is my clan.... And every Marine understands that sentiment.

Wear the kilt with pride! "Dílis i dTólamh" "Semper Fidelis"

**fortcollinsjerry** · 2nd September 09, 07:29 AM

The Corps has a long history with the bag pipe going back to the old China Marine days in 1924. I haven't been to a Ball for many years but plan to attend the next if there is one nearby. Here is an interesting article on this Corps connection with teh pipes.

http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,82507,00.html

**Fougasse** · 2nd September 09, 07:38 AM

I'm not a Marine, but have attended a Marine Ball (Okinawa 2007) and several Navy Balls kilted. Reaction has always been enthusiastic with lots of requests for photographs from all quarters (my wife is very understanding). I wore it Black Tie with miniatures and most assumed it was some form of Mess Dress. I think a Leatherneck kilt with Corps accessories will go over even better.