Marine Grad Stands On Sidelines During Ceremony (Refused to not wear dress blues?)

ktul ^ | 5/12/06

[usmcobra]

I have to ask myself if I would be just as offended if it was a member of another military service that was denied the right to wear their uniform.

Honestly I wouldn't feel as passionate about it, however I still would think that this is nothing more then yet another sleight against our service members using an obscure rule meant to prevent students from wearing bizarre outfits to Graduation.

[Beckwith]

Funny thing is I can't recall a single big war you guys won by yourselves?

This statement clearly indicates a public school education, sadly lacking in American History. I'll give you a hint, "first jihad against America." And there's others.

[usmcobra]

This is the flagpole base at the Viet Nam Memorial.

It is a Marine thing so you just don't understand.

[P-Marlowe]

Looks to me like he is off to a bad start in a career where taking orders is the prime objective. He was asked to wear the uniform of the day and he refused. He is setting a very bad example of what it means to be a Marine.

[Swiss]

That was a big war? Tripoli?

I strongly respect what the Marines have done in their various battles.

But "From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli" would be laughed at when compared to "From the halls of Valley Forge to the shores of Normandy" that the US Army can claim. There is National Guard units with a history as good as the Marines.

I don't see much respect by the Marines on here for the other services. That "Squid" as someone called him represents the US Navy. The US Navy which has won more Medal of Honor's than the Marines. There is many a Marine alive because a squid corpsman risked his life. On Tarawa and other Pacific battles the Navy did some mighty heroic acts to help you Marines.

I and some others represent the US Army. I have read Chesty Puller's bio and on one Pacific island the Marines was outnumbered and it looked like defeat. They was reinforced by green Army troops who wasn't trained as well as the Marines but Puller said they fought just as hard and well.

Nobody questions the bravery of the Marines but you guys has gotten such a high opinion of yourselves that I have to wonder if it is insecurity.

[Swiss]

I don't understand. There is more than just one military branch on that memorial.

You mean "Gasp" that it wasn't just the Marines who fought and died there? That can't be, Marines can do it all without any help.

[Swiss]

I was thinking, if the New York City Fire Department insisted that every firefighter at an official ceremony wear only the NYFD uniform would that offend you?

I am sure there is Marine Reservists in the department.

[Swiss]

Good post, and I do agree the Marines have the best uniforms.

There is differences in the services which is why we are disagreeing. Yet if the case was that this High School was keeping military recruiters out I think everyone would be condemning it.

[peggybac]

I wonder what would have happened had he worn the cap and gown and removed it as he was sitting down, then walked up to the podium to receive his diploma in his Marine uniform? I can't imagine the school would have kicked him out. I'm torn about this. I see both sides, but of course, I'm leaning toward our soldier.

[Beckwith]

I was RA by the way!

Why me?

[usmcobra]

I knew you wouldn't get it.

Take a good close look at the picture.

Did you happen to notice that only the Marine Corps section has been cleaned and polished?

[freema]

He is not an American hero, at least yet.

[freema]

That's not bull. We wouldn't expect you to understand.
Few do.

[freema]

Nope, just instilled with an understanding of the proper uniform at the proper time. A concept foreign to the Marines, I guess.

ROTFLMAO at the ignorance in that last statement. And I mean that in kindliest way.

I worked hard for my degree and wanted to cross the stage and pick up my diploma rather than have it mailed to me.

This young man worked twice as hard and decided which was more important. But then, few understand.

I don't understand the rebellion against wearing the same graduation uniform as his classmates.

Perhaps, it is because the school recognizes all other accomplishments completed during high school with various cords and pretty little 'medallions' but his "accomplishment" (let me spell it out for you-that would be donating his "L I F E") was not recognized?

The more I read of this thread, I become more proud of this young man's actions.

[usmcobra]

I was thinking, if the New York City Fire Department insisted that every firefighter at an official ceremony wear only the NYFD uniform would that offend you?

I am sure there is Marine Reservists in the department.

Marines regularly attend and graduate The Army's Ranger school by your logic, they should wear army uniforms when they graduate and sew a ranger Flash on their sleeves.

[devane617]

I understand the school's position. If you allow exceptions, where does it end? However a simple rule change to allow military uniforms is in order.

[Recovering Hermit]

I respect the position of both sides in this case.

Exactly.

His decision to stand proud in his Marine uniform is not a problem at all...and her decision to stick to guidelines is not a problem either.

Actually, I'm sure that by being on the sidelines he stood out even more than if he was in the "general population" of grads that day.

This is not any big deal.

[Flora McDonald]

Did you happen to notice that only the Marine Corps section has been cleaned and polished?

I noticed... and smiled.

[Marine_Uncle]

"He is not an American hero, at least yet."
Hopefully he will just be a damn good Marine and not have to become a hero. The price is so great. I'll stay out of the fray some have gotten into.

[M0sby]

PING