Posted on Jul 29, 2014
Should I wear my uniform at my sons boot camp graduation if I am retired?
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Here is my thought on this. Whose day is it? If I were to come to my sons graduation fully decked in blues with medals and ribbons I would think that I would be upstaging my son in his moment at his time. I would go in a nice suit, with my service lapels pins in place and perhaps some small dress ribbons if I had high awards, but I would be cognizant that this day was for him not me. Unless of course my son requested that I show up in my old, ill-fitting dress uniform, then I would have to consider but would probably still side with my earlier statement that I would not want to upstage my son.
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SGT (Join to see)
I agree with Cpl (Join to see). When I graduated from basic at FT Sill, I requested that my father ret. GySgt, dressed up in his blues. My Battery was graduating in our Class A's, and even a couple weeks before my BN CO wanted to know who had family or friends attending the graduation who were SNCOs, Warrants or Commissioned officers attending. Particularly those who were E-8 or 9, CW-5, or O-6 or higher.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Cpl (Join to see) you and I posted almost word for word, and I didn't read yours before posting...just letting you know, great minds think alike. SF. My daughter graduated from USN bootcamp 2 years ago Thanksgiving...so I was in MSgt Keith Hebert spot...and all I can say is I would of felt like I was up staging her, even though many folks disagree with our opinion...Ultimately it is up to his son. Is his son really going to tell his Dad NOT to wear his uniform? Probably not ...
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I absolutely would. I am disappointed by the concerns of upstaging by so many. Your son's service is a legacy and a testament to his character. I would have a local recruiter or honor guard double check your uniform, but be proud. Less than 1% serve, and far fewer pass the torch. Your honor is rare, do not diminish it by the comfort of khakis or indulging the naysayers.
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1SG (Join to see)
The only opinion you need to be concerned with is ...your Son! If any doubt, just ask him! Problem solved!
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SPC John Hernandez
I agree with your comment, I have been asked the same thing since I run a facebook page for BCT/AIT units. I had one parent post that their son requested his grandfather wear their dress blues to his graduation.
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