What are your thoughts on wearing uniforms to parades?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 12:50:07 -0400

So I was at my local memorial day parade, on my way back to my car I passed a National Guard Soldier wearing his uniform. I'm just wondering what people's thoughts on if its right for someone to wear their uniform to watch parades or if it simply doesn't matter.

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made May 26 at 2014 1:04 PM

SFC Cornelius Walsh — Mon, 26 May 2014 13:04:05 -0400

As long as it's not espousing a particular party or cause, I would not find it inappropriate.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 26 at 2014 9:08 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 26 May 2014 21:08:43 -0400

He may very well have been involved with the parade, either as a participant or on a detail in support of.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 13 at 2014 10:08 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 22:08:48 -0400

Beats going naked! If I could fit in my uniform still I might but that isn't happening. I was 170 lbs when I retired. 210 now.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 13 at 2014 10:35 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 22:35:11 -0400

Personally, I love seeing old guys wearing their uniforms. I know that without them, I would not be wearing mine. I just hope to live long enough to be that old guy.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jul 12 at 2014 8:04 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 20:04:27 -0400

SPC Sean,

I would say so in a Memorial Day parade event. It is a day where past and present generations get together in remembrance; honoring those who have served and have passed on.

If you go to an event, wear the uniform in your generation, that of which you serve or have served.

In my generation, I have seen the uniforms change at least 4 times. I am not a post-911 era and to see Service members and veterans in their own uniforms tells me that our military is still out there doing their job. Thank you for your service.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2014 10:11 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 22:11:07 -0400

I think it is awesome as long as their uniform is squared away and they put their respective branch in a positive light. I love seeing people with pride!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 2:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 02:23:25 -0400

I support it as long as the parade is not denigrating to any race, religion, gender or sexual orientation etc. Wearing uniforms to parades such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, 4th of July etc. is totally acceptable in my opinion.

Response by PO1 Shannon Drosdak made Sep 5 at 2014 7:10 PM

PO1 Shannon Drosdak — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:10:58 -0400

I took pictures of my Command in a parade, I wore my dress blues to support and show my pride in my job. Veterans Day Parade I wore it and passed out yellow flowers to the vets, and thanked them for their service. I see nothing wrong with it. Honestly I think Vets appreciate seeing an active member wearing their uniform with pride. My father says every time he sees someone in uniform it brings back memories of his time in.
I am also the type of person that will wear dress blues to a funeral of a service member (any branch) Not for people to say thank you, but to show my respects to my fellow "brother or sister". I may be the only one there in it, and they may have served 20 years ago, but I feel they deserve that respect.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 19 at 2016 12:45 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 12:45:27 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member please look at the first 4-5 paragraphs of AR670-1 Chapter 23. It will cite what, where, and when for this question. I can't stand people speculating on this topic (just pick from the seemingly endless threads on this site alone), as one, they are often frigging wrong, and two they 'believe' which in reality they are simply guessing. AR670-1 is based on federal statute which makes the same rules for each branch of service.

Response by CPL Aloysius Grimaudo made May 24 at 2017 2:52 PM

CPL Aloysius Grimaudo — Wed, 24 May 2017 14:52:44 -0400

There is nothing wrong with it.. I was enlisted and I'm attending a parade and I'm going to put my old uniform on.. Memorial Day is for current and veterans so everyone should be acknowledged