Wearing military honors

[Texas Star]

Some who merit it may wear miniature ribbons or have Purple Heart license plates. I think the plates are offered for other medals, too.

My son was wounded three times in Iraq but feels the ribbon or plates smacks a bit of vanity and limits his SUV to a CIB decal on the rear window.

I suppose the ultimate would be if a Medal of Honor recepient wore the ribbon on his suit lapel. I might, if entitled, partially to see if anyone even recognized it!

How do members feel about displaying awards? Bragging seems vain, but honest pride is another.

 

[Onomea]

I'm not a vet, but my brother is. He has the CiB marked on his Florida license plate, and occasionally will wear his small Bronze Star ribbon lapel pin on formal occasions.

I think you put it well: Bragging seems vain, but honest pride is another matter.

 

[Texas Star]

I wrote a story on FanFiction.net where a former officer, an Earl, wore the maroon ribbon for his Victoria Cross in his lapel sometimes.

A British reader chastised me, saying that just isn't done. But this critic also claimed Britons never eat eggs cooked over easy... ??

 

[Golddollar]

If you earned it, please wear it.

 

[NYlakesider]

I think a lot depends on where and when you are wearing them!

 

[CQB27]

I earned 3 qulification badges (aviator, airborne, air assault), 3 personal decorations, 4 campaign/service medals and 1 Presidential unit citation during my time in the Army. On Veterans Day I will occasionally wear miniature senior aviator wings and one of my miniature campaign/service pins on my lapel. I do it as a reminder to all, including me, to be thankful for all those who have served to support and sustain our great nation. I also have a Desert Storm license plate, because Georgia issues campaign vets license plates for free. So I display that because I'm cheap, not proud, lol.

Why others might display them and the frequency, bragging or pride? Who am I to question such things. If you earned it and want to display it in public never, occasionally, or everyday for the rest of your life I think that's ok. We all feel different about such things, and what's right for me only applies to me. To each his own.

 

[double-dipper]

Texas Star, to answer your question I retired from the army back in 2005 after 21 years, 16 days and about 8 hours. I have never felt the need to get a "military veteran" license plate. I know were I've been and what I've done! I just don't advertise it. I'm a simple man and don't draw any attention to myself, but that's just me! I work on post with many other combat and disabled veterans some display all there stuff and some don't were all different.

 

[Old_Cop]

None were given, all were earned.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The British don't wear ribbons but they list the medals after the recipients names, hence you will see Thomas Atkins, VC, DSO, etc.
Never felt the need to advertise myself. Also as a retired Reserve officer I always felt myself to be in a different category.

 

[F4phantom]

I'm from the Vietnam era (1965-1971) and personally (IMHO) wearing all that stuff is a bit much and more for the attention grabbers, look at me. You know what you did when you were in the service and that's what counts.

 

[Muley Gil]

I believe I have seen pictures of Canadian veterans wearing miniature medals on their Memorial and/or Veteran's Day.

 

[Bajadoc]

Just for me, and only me, I joined the Army to give back to my wonderful county, not to receive anything or be congratulated for the rest of my life. I was very fortunate to get more from the military than I gave. Others may feel differently and that is OK.

 

[BRL40]

At the VA, they did a records check on me which revealed I had served my 4 year enlistment Honorably.

I wound up producing a DD214 that showed I had served 8 years and 2 months Honorably. (completed extended enlistment)

When asked why I wanted my records changed, I replied: "I earned it, I want it."

Display your military service in any way you like-PROUDLY, and thank ALL OF YOU for your service to our great Country!

 

[Texas Star]

I believe I have seen pictures of Canadian veterans wearing miniature medals on their Memorial and/or Veteran's Day.

I've seen videos of Brit vets wearing their full medals on civilian suits on ceremonial days. Just not min. ribbons on lapels at any time.

 

[fiasconva]

It took years for me to convince my father in law to put something on his license plate. He hit Omaha Beach with the 29th Infantry and was wounded twice later on, one of them causing him to lose a kidney years later. He finally reluctantly put the little purple heart emblems on them. I told him he earned them and should be proud of what he did. RIP John.

 

[fordson]

When I'm at a Navy function with Navy friends and associates, I will wear miniature Aviator wings on my jacket lapel. Otherwise, No outward display of military ribbons or awards, no hats or T shirts.
Well, I do have Huey decal on the side window of my truck........ a little vanity......

 

[lkabug]

I have enough memories to remind me of my time in the Army, I don't need something more to remind me where I was. I'm proud to have served when and where I served. I personally do not need to wear a military resume. Should someone want wear their ribbons or pins, I urge them do so proudly.

 

[PPS1980]

In regular guys I see it as completely legit. In congresscritters I see it as inappropriate and manipulative. In our state any Valor medal can get a license plate in addition to the PH medals. When I was on staff at the VA those awards were things that always made a difference IMHO (that and former POW). Just my 2 cents.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I don't do it.
And I guess in a little suspicious of those who do.
Especially when I see folks wearing Medals and Ribbons in a place which I consider inappropriate, like WALMART.

 

[Muley Gil]

Here's an article about Prince Harry & Remembrance Day, which was yesterday. He is wearing his medals on a suit:

Prince Harry's Remembrance Sunday Request Denied by Royal Family