Posted on May 24, 2016
Is it appropriate to wear your uniform during a ceremony on Memorial Day?
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So... This is a personal thing, but I will leave out personal details. Basically, the dilemma is that I personally believe that if you are part of a Memorial Day ceremony, regardless of your role that you should wear your uniform and render a salute to the fallen. Others believe that this day is not about you, the servicemember, and that a uniform is totally inappropriate because it takes attention away from the fallen...
Although I understand and appreciate that logic, I don't understand why dressing in uniform FOR the fallen out of respect equates to taking it away from them. So I post here, on RP, to get your thoughts: is it appropriate to wear a uniform during a Memorial Day service or should I leave my service uniform at home so I don't take any attention away from the fallen?
Although I understand and appreciate that logic, I don't understand why dressing in uniform FOR the fallen out of respect equates to taking it away from them. So I post here, on RP, to get your thoughts: is it appropriate to wear a uniform during a Memorial Day service or should I leave my service uniform at home so I don't take any attention away from the fallen?
Posted in these groups: 
Memorial Day
Uniforms
Memorial Day Uniforms
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 23
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It is interesting you presented this question and believe many of us have asked the same question. I made a decision to wear my dress uniform to our Memorial Day service this upcoming Sunday. My initial concern (like yours) was the perception of others and not wanting to draw attention to myself, however, I decided I am wearing it, not for me, but for the many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. I will wear it to honor them and will do it proudly!
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As long as you are not putting the uniform on to try to get a free lunch or dinner, I don't see a problem. I highly recommend you stay away from an American Legion in uniform on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, however. Those guys will buy you more drinks than any one person can handle.
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - I was doing a flag folding ceremony on Veterans Day at my fathers legion post. Went to the bar for lunch and the table was filled with wooden chits that were a free drink. I think I midt have gotten 20 of those chits. I drank a couple, ran to my fathers house and changed, came back and proceeded into a night I can't remember very well. It was also the last time I got truly drunk. 2005.
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Suspended Profile
SSgt (Join to see) - I don't wear my uniform because I left it behind when I returned home - and quite frankly (like many veterans) it would certainly no longer fit as well as it did when we were too young to do what we were doing. That said I feel it honors the fallen to wear the uniform for ceremonies. If someone chooses to pick a fight, assault me, or arrest me for my uniform they dishonor themselves. Warmest Regards, Sandy
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