First of all from what I read on this tread I say almost everyone on both sides would let the kid walk across the stage. Our differences is if the civilian had the right to keep the marine from wearing his dress blues.
I have heard another Marine say he would charge up to the stage and take his diploma no matter what the school ruled. What if a teacher tried to stop him? Would you have Marines fighting the teachers up on stage? Image how that would play in the civilian press.
You have several other services represented on this tread and most of them say that the school has the right and that they would obey the rules. They are not Marines but I can post the Medal of Honor numbers to show that not just Marines can be heroes.
I and about every other person in uniform has been discriminated against. You suck it in and go on. You don't pick fights because YOU represent the US Military to the public.
The day when the soldiers with the guns decide that civilian rules isn't for them is the day the military takes over. You may not like those rules just like I don't like Hilton for what they did. You can respond as civilians would and boycott or write letters to the editor or vote. That is your right. As long as you obey the rules because the civilians make the rules. I understand the gung ho feeling of this Marine and why he did it but I think it may of hurt the image of Marines more than help it. Still if I read that his commanding officer was all for it I will take his side.
I know it is a Marine thing so I just can't understand.