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

ktul ^ | 5/12/06

[LouAvul]

Holdenville, OK (AP) - A U-S Marine graduates from Holdenville High School, but isn't able to walk across the stage with his fellow graduates.

During last night's ceremony, Michael Lueking stood in the stands in his dress blues uniform. School officials had told Lueking he wouldn't be able to participate in the ceremony if he refused to wear the school's standard royal blue cap and gown.

Lueking finished high school a semester early so he could fulfill his longtime dream of joining the Marines. He graduated from the 13-week Marine boot camp on May 5th, in time to be home for his high school graduation.

Holdenville Superintendent Shellie Gammill says she couldn't bend the policy or else exceptions would have to be made for other students.

[68 grunt]

Dang well said, Marine! Semper Fi

[Howie66]

Stories like this just PISS ME OFF!!

Is there any wonder why I HATE LIBERALS with all that I can muster???

[M1911A1]

I hate to say it, but I back the school on this one. The uniform of the day was cap and gown.

It is a stupid rule, and the school board should change it to cap and gown or US military uniform for those entitled to wear it.

He's entitled to wear dress blues on leave or liberty, but the school has every right to dictate dress at a school function.

I intend to meet my maker in Dress Blues, but the school is in the right with this wrong headed rule.

[concretebob]

He should have worn his cap and gown over his Dress Blues, and then removed the gown after receiving his diploma.

Improvise Adapt Overcome

OTOH, IMAO, that superintendent needs a good be-atch slappin'.

[M1911A1]

I am not 100 percent sure of what the uniform regs are regarding gowns, but I would no more put a graduation gown over my uniform than I would put on a civvie coat or hat with it.

[Chieftain]

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.

[Chieftain]

Unless you have done what he just did, how can you even fathom what he feels? My sons graduated from Marine Corps boot camp a month ago and they are PROUD of what they accomplished, much prouder than when they graduated high school.

Oorah!

[Chieftain]

What is bigger thrill for Mom and Pop seeing child graduate High school or seeing child become a Marine? Anyone can graduate High School...

My sons just graduated Recruit Training at MCRD SD last month. There was a heck of a lot more pride displayed by all the parents there than there was at high school graduation a few years before. Earning the Eagle Globe and Anchor requires much more than showing up every day.

Oorah!!

[A.A. Cunningham]

I can see no reason this youngster could not doff his dress uniform jacket, wear the cap and gown over the rest of his uniform for the ceremony, then put on the jacket after the ceremony was over.

That would be a violation of Marine Corps uniform regulations; that's the reason. Also, it's a blouse not a jacket.

[A.A. Cunningham]

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.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The young man could have easily worn his dress blues under the gown and still would have kept his Marine pride.

Well, Sergeant, that would have been a violation of MCO P1020.34F which, as a former NCO, you should know is a no-no.

[Eagle Eye]

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.

It's called "sweet lemons".

Remember that USMC boot camp is so tough that not all women graduate.

However, no women graduate from Army Infantry training, only men.

[Swiss]

Actually my monitor is going bad, turns light purple part of the time. But I do understand now.

[Swiss]

The Military has rules about proper uniforms and guess what if the Sec. of Defense orders the Marines attending the Ranger school to wear the Ranger outfit I say they should and if they don't then kick them out of the military. If President Hillary says the offical Marine Corps uniform is a pink tutu do you propose the Corps rise up in rebellion?

Are you saying that the Fire Cadet don't honor the dress uniform of the NYFD? Are you saying that the NYFD is not as brave and gallant as the Marines?

[Swiss]

What gets me is saying there is envy for the Marines from non Marines here.

Once you become a Marine that is pretty much it. Oh there is Marine Recon but if I really wanted the respect and honor I would go Army.

The general Army isn't as highspeed as the Marines but you can go Airborne and/or Ranger. If that isn't elite enough then you can try Special Forces and if that isn't elite then you can try for Delta Forces. Honestly if you are going to be best of the best you can do the Army route or you join the Navy and try to be a Navy Seal.

There has been some very highspeed persons who came out of the Marine Corps but the Corps has also turned out the following losers and liberals.

Lee Harvey Oswald
Charles Whitman
Arthur Sulzburger - liberal New York Times Publisher
Scott Ritter - Child Molester and UN Inspector
John Murtha
Clayton Roundtree - Russian Spy
Nathan Gale
Mike Farrell - liberal actor
James Carville

[jmaroneps37]

The school should have been PROUD to have a real Marine in their midst. Semper fi to that young Marine.

[usmcobra]

You left Muthra off your list.

By the way if President Hillary orders the Marines to wear pink tutus instead of Dress Blues, she will have the shortest presidency ever.

[Chieftain]

but if I really wanted the respect and honor I would go Army...

Please go! The Army is always looking for someone like you, who seek honor.

The Corps is for those who already know, possess, and cherish it.

[Swiss]

I don't know, I think it does attract many who do know it but I have to wonder about others. There is a tradition in this nation for some military families to pass down duty and honor to their sons and daughters

For example, USMC's picture of the base of the flag pole that the Marine Corps portion was polished while the rest was neglected. I first thought that was very honorable until I started thinking about it.

What if you came across a neglected cemetery filled with heroes from all branches. You buy flowers, cut the grass and fix up the graves only of those who belonged to your branch of service. Would it be honorable or just pride in your service.

Basically that is nothing more than showboating like polishing the one portion. If on the other hand I saw a Marine not only polishing his part but other services part I would be very impressed. At the least I would thank him and at the most help him polish. The excuse from some could be why should I polish something that they are too lazy or unmotivated to polish. You do what is right no matter what others may do.

That is Honor, it means not only honoring yourself but those who helped you. You don't get honor by dishonoring the Army or Navy or those other services who are dying to help you.

Too many Marines mistake Pride for Honor.