Advice on a planned outfit for a parade. Servicemen please chime in.

[Geoff Withnell]

For what it's worth, I don't claim to understand why awards are looked at differently. Rather just expressing my understanding. I reserve the right to be wrong

Well, USMC regulations state that honorably discharged Vets may wear medals, ribbons and badges with civilian attire "at appropriate civic and patriotic occasions". I don't know about the other services, but I suspect they have similar regs. So if you earned it, flaunt it. I do know that a piper (active duty) played at the Retreat at 8th & I (USMC Hdqtrs) in a Leatherneck kilt and dress blue blouse.

[Whidbey78]

I think, in most instances anyhow, the if thing are conducted in a respectful and dignified manner few if any will say boo about it. Many may actually appreciate someone tying their own heritage to it, such as a piper in blues and kilt. It's an honor that in a case like that goes both ways, just as it should! There probably isn't a country that isn't represented by someone in the US, which is just another amazing and unique part of our heritage. That's one of my avorite things about being American...we incorporate everyone and honor them all in our unique way, some as Americans and others as immigrants who honor the others in their traditional ways. The "melting pot" is awesome!