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To: LouAvul
We have the usual pack of "experts" chiming in about how this young Marine should have worn the cap and gown at the high school graduation. As far as I have seen so far, none of these who have chimed in have been a Marine

The difference is, once you graduate from boot camp and have become a Marine, your dress uniform is Dress Blues A... not caps, gowns, or white tails and top hats. If the lefties/draft-dodgers/etc. that run our schools today won't recognize that our service men and women have joined - and proved themselves - in a significantly more important organization than high school, then we really have dropped a large portion of the guts and integrity that used to be our hallmark.

Those of you with some knowledge of our history will remember that the service uniform was the mode of dress for graduations and other ceremonies, going back almost to the beginning of our nation. It's only since we lost our schools to the leftist agenda that wearing a service dress uniform to graduation became a punishable offense.

I'm proud of the Marine that chose his uniform and his new identity over conforming to a ridiculous rule.

23 posted on 05/14/2006 2:09:07 PM PDT by USMCVet
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To: USMCVet
I graduated from college in my USMC dress whites after the administration told me I couldn't.

Fortunately for me, the student handbook stated that commencement attire would be set by the Student Commencement Committee, which we didn't have that year.

Many of the staff and faculty congratulated me afterwards.
34 posted on 05/14/2006 2:23:05 PM PDT by opbuzz (Right way, wrong way, Marine way)
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To: USMCVet

I wonder if the kid asked his commander if it was alright to wear his dress blues? Considering how military clothing regs change you can't assume he has the right without permission.

Would you approve of a Marine reservist selling cars at a dealership wearing the dress blues? After all if you say the dress uniform for civilian activities is dress blues then no Marine should have a suit.


67 posted on 05/14/2006 3:39:47 PM PDT by Swiss
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To: USMCVet

"Those of you with some knowledge of our history will remember that the service uniform was the mode of dress for graduations and other ceremonies, going back almost to the beginning of our nation."

Not just for the USMC, either, IIRC. I expect you can also confirm for me that Marines don't wear part of their dress uniforms with civilian attire (as the cap and gown most assuredly are)both as a matter of choice and a matter of regulation. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject, but I suspect the Marine Corps has rules very similar to those of the USAF on that matter.

Besides, the US military is just another gang, right? Can't have gang attire at school, can we? </Sarcasm> Even though red and blue are very common colors, just not in combination, these days.


132 posted on 05/14/2006 8:35:36 PM PDT by Old Student (WRM, MSgt, USAF(Ret.))
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To: USMCVet
"We have the usual pack of "experts" chiming in about how this young Marine should have worn the cap and gown at the high school graduation. As far as I have seen so far, none of these who have chimed in have been a Marine."

I am a former Sergeant of Marines, so I will chime in with my opinion.

If I remember correctly (I graduated High School some 26 years ago), the gown is simply a cover that goes over what you are wearing to the graduation. For me, it was slacks, shirt and a tie. The young man could have easily worn his dress blues under the gown and still would have kept his Marine pride.

Now I know I'll soon face the wrath of those FReeper Marines who will start quoting Marine Corps Uniform Regs to me, crying "foul" and proclaiming when and where Marine Corps uniforms can be worn. But as many posters have stated, this young man would probably be going off to war soon, so I believe an exception could be made. I'm sure there are many Marine war vets who would agree to bend the uniform regs a little.

Flame away.
169 posted on 05/15/2006 6:40:19 AM PDT by FortWorthPatriot (Semper Fidelis)
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To: USMCVet

The military uniform is not compatible with all civilian activites. It is NOT appropriate attire at all times.

Although it is a Class A uniform and can substitute for a suit or tuxedo, it still is not the appropriate dress for the occasion. If a student wanted to wear a suit or tux to graduation, fine, but they would also have to wear the cap and gown to walk across the stage.

And I don't giv a damn what branch; when it is a 'cap and gown' ceremony, then SHOW SOME DAMN RESPECT for the ceremony and what it represents instead of attempting to hijack the occassion to selfishly draw attention to oneself.


182 posted on 05/15/2006 10:11:37 AM PDT by Eagle Eye (There ought to be a law against excess legislation.)
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To: USMCVet
It's only since we lost our schools to the leftist agenda that wearing a service dress uniform to graduation became a punishable offense.

The government schools have become leftist indoctrination centers and the US military appears not to be held in high regard.

200 posted on 05/15/2006 8:36:45 PM PDT by bulldozer
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To: USMCVet

Dang well said, Marine! Semper Fi


221 posted on 05/16/2006 8:37:11 PM PDT by 68 grunt (3/1 India, 3rd, 68-69, 0311)
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To: USMCVet; Recovering Ex-hippie
I'm proud of the Marine that chose his uniform and his new identity over conforming to a ridiculous rule.

Well said, Devil Dog! The Marine Corps Dress Blues are what he has earned at a lot higher cost than his classmates wearing caps and gowns. Wearing his uniform shows his PRIDE and accomplishment and may inspire his classmates to take the challenge.

226 posted on 05/17/2006 3:17:41 AM PDT by Chieftain (Cindy Sheehan is a shameful example of an American mother duped by Kerry's LIES!)
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To: USMCVet
The difference is, once you graduate from boot camp and have become a Marine, your dress uniform is Dress Blues A...

Only if you have a medal. Otherwise it's Dress Blue Bravos.

230 posted on 05/17/2006 7:57:18 AM PDT by A.A. Cunningham
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