Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
From what I've seen, many vets outside of the older ones don't really advertise their service. I won't wear any military related clothing. I do have a Soldier who loves to advertise it with his 5.11 pants, grunt style shirts, etc.
From what I have seen, the more people want to advertise they served, the less they did while they served.
When you talk about WWII, Korea and Vietnam vets, that's a different level of tough there. Those that are veterans of all 3 wars, there are some, are on an even higher level of tough to me.
That middle part is definitely not true, what does "the less they did" refer to anyway? I've known to s of hardworking veterans wear unit tshirts and more.
But yeah, if anyone asks about it or thanks you for your service, you already know what to say: "Oh, my father was an F-4 pilot; I wear this hat in his memory." The vast majority of people are going to say/think "Oh, cool. That's nice," and that'll be the end of it.
If the ballcap was never standard Navy issued gear, feel free to wear it. The above is good advice, and does show honor to your dad.
Even though in my early 70's, I am still associated with the US Naval Sea Cadet program where we wear Navy uniforms, albeit with Sea Cadet identifying insignia. On those occasions when I'm caught out in public, I inevitably get the "thank you for your service". Since I'm a Vietnam veteran anyway, I usually answer with, "It has been my honor to serve my country". A very few times it has led to a conversation about the Sea Cadet program. What's cool is that while in a Sea Cadet uniform, we can wear the ribbons/medals we were awarded while on active duty. Not too many sailors at the reserve center where we drill have ever seen Vietnam ribbons, and nobody currently on active duty or reserve duty have them.
p.s. I agree with you. The Phantom was an incredibly beautiful, and powerful airplane.
Saturday was my dad's 100th birthday, yes Veterans Day. I wore the hat to a street fair and got a half dozen "Thank you for your service". I quickly explained why I was wearing it and that was a little awkward but I guess OK.
I'll likely not wear it again in public. I feel I had a real and valid reason.
I never wear any of my old uniform I don't like talking about my time serving in the Mid. 1960s to the 1970s . I don.t like talking at all about my serving . But I do cash my Disability check. U.D.T 21 / SEAL 1.
Saturday was my dad's 100th birthday, yes Veterans Day. I wore the hat to a street fair and got a half dozen "Thank you for your service". I quickly explained why I was wearing it and that was a little awkward but I guess OK.
I'll likely not wear it again in public. I feel I had a real and valid reason.
Thank you everyone for your replies.
Coincidentally there were poll and survey results that came out last week and were reported on in a couple places which indicate that a majority of younger veterans are uncomfortable with being thanked for their service. 70% of vets age 18-29 report feeling uncomfortable or awkward when it happens.
As a vet, I have the license plate frame VETERAN - U.S. ARMY on both of my bikes, and on Veteran's Day I was getting gas in one when a little kid came up to me, accompanied by his Mom. He stood there and said, "Happy Veteran's Day!" I thanked him very much. It really touched my heart. I wear my Viet Nam Service Ribbon on my motorcycle jacket, along with my unit designation, and have something on both bikes and both cars identifying me as a veteran. I am convinced that it has kept me from getting more than a few speeding tickets over the years. My high school best friend was killed in 'Nam, at Tay Ninh. He was an infantry First Lieutenant, and was awarded a Silver Star for bravery in action.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
