I am an honorably discharged veteran of the USAF from 1992. I want to know if it is appropriate to wear my BDU (battle dress uniform) in a Veterans Day parade? I don't have my blues anymore (and they wouldn't fit anyway).

Is it appropriate to wear the uniform and NOT the boots, if I don't have them anymore?

What about ribbons or medals? They weren't supposed to be decorations on a BDU uniform, but is there another way to display them without being arrogant or disrespectful?

I am a new(er) member of the American Legion but I don't own any of the clothing (vest or hat)- would that be more appropriate to wear?

There will be some who will quote regulations, etc. (Which actually don't apply to a civilian), but nobody is going to arrest you or look down upon you if you carry yourself with honor and respect - after all, it is a free country (so far), and you are a Veteran - right? - -

Me last Veteran's Day - -



Americans are pretty accepting of Veterans trying to display their patriotism - -

You got to do what you've got to do.

Check out old guy to the right in this picture -

I'd say wear the blouse with a nice pair of slacks dress shoes, and beret or hat - and you will be fine!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: greywolfghost,

I left my Sea Bag and my uniforms at my sisters house in Minnesota when I moved to the west coast.

Her husband threw the whole thing away, he didn't even think to ask if he could send them to me! What an a..!

Anyway, none of my uniforms would fit,t would still be nice to have them! My brotheri in-law quit drinking, but he's still an a..!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bergy46,

I don't think my chances are too high for me fitting into my old uniforms.

Don





Think I'll just go with a hat.

Don

I was able to purchase the American Legion uniform (Shirt with patches and cap) I have a rack of minature ribbons to wear with this uniform on Wednesday.

Wearing whatever you want is a freedom that you have, there are no laws to stop you. I'd becareful not to wear something in a manner that would stir the ire of your fellow veterans.
stay as close to uniform regs as you can, or get an approved Americn Legion uniform to wear.
I hope everyone has a happy & safe veterans day.

quote:

Originally posted by greywolfghost:

Me last Veteran's Day - -

Gee......Maybe it's time to buy a new jacket, what with all the patches you have on it!?

Starched black cap with US ARMY INFANTRY...motorcycle vest with crossed rifles on one side an Sgt.stripes on the other works for me.

That is an awesome picture of the guy with the longer hair and mustache. Awesome pic.

For one Veterans Day, right after DS/DS,my unit was invited (I think because we were Patriot), and the local Veteran groups were also invited to a New England Patriots game.

Before the game we walked out onto the field from different sides and met in the middle. I was very young but confident. We were wearing our Class A with our few little ribbons on our chest. When we got to the 50 yard line we met these veterans, mostly Vietnam era. They were dressed just like the guy I mentioned above. A lot of them were wearing Vietnam era fatigues. You could still see the look of war in their faces. I knew right then, that I was a soldier, but I would always take a back seat to those guys. It was very humbling to say the least.

I believe it's not what you wear but how you wear it. Whatever part of your uniform you've got left, just wear it with pride. I don't think anyone would fault you for that.

Exactly!

Circa 1964

Franklin, NC. 2008! Fat, ugly and out of shape!

As you can see, I'd never fit in my uniform!

Bergy, are you making whiskey?????

Coolhand, yup, I'm making shine. I tried to tell the Feds I was makin rhematis medicine, they didn't believe me...imagine that!

well if I don't see you soon, have a swig for me!!!

quote:

Originally posted by C000lhandluke:
That is an awesome picture of the guy with the longer hair and mustache. Awesome pic.

I thought the SAME thing!!
. . . well maybe not; I was thinking hot-paratrooper!!

quote:

Originally posted by Bergy46:


Franklin, NC. 2008!

Bruce ~ you found a still while visiting the east coast!!