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Posted on Nov 27, 2020
Why don't more Veterans wear the medals they have earned during appropriate times on civilian attire?
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Military veterans can wear their medals during appropriate times on civilian attire, but many are uncomfortable doing so. It demonstrates pride of service and can possibly assist in bridging the military-civilian divide. Is there reluctance because those who do so might be considered "posers"? Here is an article to stimulate discussion on this topic: https://havokjournal.com/culture/veterans-wont-wear-earned/
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Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 187
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I'm one of those who only wore them when I had to in the military. Sure I'm proud of them but I retired from that life and see no need to attach them to civilian formal wear, no matter the occasion.
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SP5 James Elmore
I have not only the medals I earned while in the Army but medals I earned working for the Navy and later DoD. I never wore them on lapels or on any occasion. I suspect it was attention I didn't want perhaps I felt it was pretentious. Unsure. Didn't see colleagues or anyone else wearing them even in DoD, and I know they earned medals as military and civilians, too.
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PO2 Robert Cuminale
This is a custom with the veterans in Great Britain. Prince Philip wore his in civvies on occasions. I used to think it silly that they don't stagger them but wear them in a line one after the other no matter how many there are. Of course they don't have a lot medals like officers here in the US. I've seen some flag officers with almost 30 of them. Even with the mini-medals they sound like they're wearing spurs.
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Retirees always wore tuxedos and miniature medals at any such formal occasion that dictated. Some wear hats and other pride in public. Most Veterans can spot a poser really quick. I'm not big on regalia, but respect everyone's service. Sometimes it's just a wink and nod when two pass alongside, but know the face, or stare.
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Capt Leo Glover
PO3 Kenneth Suvanto - What the hell does getting political have to do with a question. Grow up mister.
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
Capt Leo Glover - Grow up, really? You don't know what a poser is and I should grow up? You may have a lot more growing up to do than I do, to not think there is a political element to this. I can only assume you must be one of their appointee's as you are clearly offended. You just lost SOME of the respect I did have for you...Sincerely, Ken
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Capt Leo Glover
Like I said "grow up" . You are looking more juvenile with each statement. Respect from you is something I never want or requested. This conversation is ended.
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PO3 Kenneth Suvanto
Capt Leo Glover - Like it or not Capt Sir, the conversation is ended when I agree it's ended...not just because you say so. Respect is usually given to those who earn it...not something you WANT or REQUEST. Furthermore, I really don't care how I look to you, I know who and what I am. Have you figured out what a POSER is? Maybe you are one lol. On a more serious note, God Bless and take care, Sincerely, Ken
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I wear a ball cap with one of my old units on it. I don't wear medals or the uniform regardless of the occasion. While it is legal, it feels kind of pretentious to me. As for others who want to wear the uniform or medals, more power to them
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SPC Bill Howell
SPC Lyle Montgomery - I also wear a ball cap with miniature 4th Inf. Div. & Americal medals on my hat, along with an artillery medal. It helps when you meet other veterans to start a conversation.
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1SG James Kelly
CWO3 (Join to see) - Had an AK 47 bayonet and a Russian mortar sight - some SOB stole it.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
1SG James Kelly - We got ours in Estonia (Baltic Challenge 97, DOS PFP). It led to Baltics joining NATO. Poor ex Red Army on the streets. Amber was cheap too. Active Reds were taking pictures wearing civies, as we got a day of libo, in cammies w/nametags. Tallinn.
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