What should I say to a retired O-6 in my area who wears his uniform with a beard on Veterans Day?

TSgt Travis Wheeler - I'm left wondering, though, would you feel the same way seeing a WWII vet dressed in their uniform on Veteran's Day with all their accoutrements with beard or goatee? Are you going to walk up to someone who served in Germany, maybe even spent years in a gulag, and tell them they are wrong? If not, where do you draw the line? Why not just be glad to see someone who has pride in the service they gave their country. Just because it's not the way you would show pride for the same, doesn't mean they should be confronted. If the powers that be are so concerned about that particular violation of the UCMJ, let them deal with it. The fact that we don't see enforcers combing the parade route on Veteran's Day looking for violations would suggest they don't care. But like I said before, my ID card says I'm a civilian. I'd bet theirs does as well.

Well. I don't say sir to anybody unless I like them.

Spc Jasen E, I looked at my ID and did not see civilian on it anywhere. I did however see PO1/E6 on my ID. Where did you get your ID?…..

PO1 William Van Syckle - That comment was written back when I had the old-style ID card, the blue one. I lived far enough away from an installation that it was never convenient to get it changed over. On those cards, there was a box that had the word/question Civilian? y/n (or something like that) and under it was typed out the word [YES].
It won't let me link to it for some reason, but if go to bing and search the term "military ID card sample," it will pull up hundreds of ID cards. Pick a blue retiree card and if you look at the back of the card right under the word "Sample," you'll be able to just make out the word 'Civilian.' right under that will be either a yes or no. On mine, it said yes. But you are correct in that the currently issued card doesn't say that.

That's the way I do it, and exactly as I'd want to say it Sergeant Major.

But the CSM is probably always going to say it so much better!!!

After expressing gratitude for his service to his nation, kindly inquire if he requires any assistance or support. https://wordletoday.io/

I pretty much agree with the "Thank him for his service and move on" crowd. Though I will say the venue is a consideration. After retiring I attended some ceremonies in uniform for our children, mostly graduations from various military schools. These were all on active duty bases. Yep, I made certain my uniform and appearance were squared away. Wouldn't want to embarrass the kids if nothing else. I also get a shave/haircut if I wear the uniform to a public celebration like Vet's Day, but that's me. And I don't think any less of those who wear partial uniforms, have long hair, etc. It's about being a Vet, not conforming to ever-changing regulations.

Nothing is always a clever thing to say.

And that’s the truth right there. That’ll you man. Im a vet, married to AD. Now I’m I psychologist treating vets. Neither of us had/have what could be called mon-Fris. Welcome everyone, do you part to be a good human. Life’s to short. People spend too much time throwing the “should” around. What others should do or should look like. All based on their own limited rigid ideas, based on what they think they know. Often it came from a half read standards book (those come with addendums and exceptions, or skewed lesson. It all go out the window at retirement and separation, folks become who they are. Issue is, people tent to not worry enough about how bad they treat others. Can’t change anyone but self. Have fun at the spread, the Congac an Cigars sound great. Well wishes

SSgt TaShara Williams - Thanks Staff. And there's a 2-tap kegerator with local pilsner and IPA. Plenty to choose from.

Idk...there was a period in the 70s-80s when we Navy types were authorized beards. A nicely trimmed beard harkens back to the days of "wooden ships and iron men." Aye me hartees, splice the mainbrace ... etc etc.

PO1 Rennae Rosenberg can't believe I wrote this! Now I could give a rat's a$$ what someone else does! Only if you are pan-handling at an intersection and claiming to be a veteran will I get riled up!