Posted on Dec 11, 2013
What Customs, Courtesies, or Traditions did you carry on after leaving the military?
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<p>Do you find yourself sitting or standing to the left of a person senior to you, like your boss?</p><p> </p><p>I have a habit of correcting the placement of the U.S. Flag and or service Flags. I was in a dealership and they had the precedence order of the flags incorrect. I called attention to it and explained why it was wrong and they asked me to fix their display. (Be polite & courtious pointing out mistake) As I was explaining, a customer spoke up, also a Veteran, and she validated my comments.</p>
Posted in these groups: 
Tradition
Customs and Courtesies
Tradition Customs and Courtesies
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
Just like you, I have brought to the attention when there is an issue with a flag that was flying and things like that. For example when I started at AAA, I noticed the flag was in pretty bad shape. I told my boss I would like to correct it so I went out, purchased a new flag and we replaced the old flag which I then took to a flag retirement ceremony.
The other "tradition" I maintain is the hair cut. After 8.5 years I just can't let my hair grow all that long. If I go longer than 14 days, I swear I can still hear my 1SG's voice yelling at me to get it cut. :)
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SSG William Patton
I had to let my hair grow a little longer than the military would like because my wife threatened to run me off and take me to the cleaners. lol But, when it hits the ears, off it comes.
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SGT Dan Knispel
Hair cut for sure. Before I joined the service I had long hair and now now if it touches my ears I'm looking for the first place to get it cut. I think that sticks with a lot of us, I have pictures of my dad before WW2 and he had a nice head of hair but after that he always had a flat top. He told me that he knew it was time to get his hair cut when it started brushing the roof of his car when he sat in the drivers seat.
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Rich, I have also found myself doing that. Before I retired I discuss flag etiquette with the superintendent of the building I worked in and why it was important. Even though it cost him money out of his budget, he made the changes necessary to ensure Old Glory was flown properlty. On another occassion a business was flying the flag, but had it on a staff that was slightly lower than the other staff, which held the state flag. I went into his business and explained what I saw and he immediately changed the flags around. Another thing I do and did not realize it until my son, also a veteran pointed it out, and that is when I walk, I have my hands slightly cupped as if marching. Before I retired I would break starch every day and would not let my wife iron my shirts or pants. She would not or probably could not get the creases straight or in the right location. Just silly littlle things I did some forty plus years ago that are still apart of my personna today.
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My hangers are evenly spaced and organized by color, etc.
Well, there are many. Like the others, I especially like to dress down folks who do not know how to display or care for our flag.
I still shine my own shoes. I still make military creases. There are a lot of carryovers. Most of all, I sound off when I really need to make a point.
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SFC Rich Carey
My closet is the same with the hangers, plus I have short sleeve shirts by button up and polo style, then long sleeve shirts, and even my pants are arranged.
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