JUST A REMINDER

*************************************** *************************************** Comrades in Arms: This message is just a reminder about a couple of things. On Wednesday 27 January 2010, I attended the mortal farewell ceremony for ALBERT HOUSTON STEGALL at Arlington National Cemetery. I'm sorry I can't remember the date, but several years ago, the Department of Defense issued an announcement, which was also published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, stating that all military veterans, even when attired in civilian clothing, are now permitted to render a military salute (i.e., the position of "PRESENT, ARMS!"). In other words, you can salute like a soldier, instead of having to place your hand over your heart, like a civilian would. Military veterans are authorized to wear their military decorations on their civilian clothing. At formal or patriotic events during daylight hours, such as military funerals, one should wear their full-sized medals properly arranged on the left breast of the suit coat. Full sized medals for day wear and miniature medals for evening wear Miniature medals should be worn to evening events, and they are properly displayed by wearing them on the left lapel (not the left breast) of the suit coat. The current practice of wearing miniature medals during daylight hours on the left breast of the Armed Forces Retirement Home blazer is both improper and disrespectful. During hot weather, when attending Scottish or Celtic festivals, I choose to wear a ribbon rack on the left breast of a short sleeved uniform shirt. Miniature Ribbon Rack for wear on lapel of a suit coat. Recently, I purchased a set of miniature ribbons, which when placed on the left lapel of the suit coat, are quite tastefully appropriate for almost any occasion where a business suit and tie are worn, such as attending church services. Looking from left to right: My stepmother's awards, my father's medals, and my own decorations. When purchasing medals, I recommend getting two sets, one mounted for wear, and the other for a display case mounted on the wall. Thank you. John Robert Mallernee Offical Bard of Clan Henderson Armed Forces Retirement Home Gulfport, Mississippi 39507 NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions do not represent my Scottish clan." _________________________ _________________________ AR 670-1: 30–6. WEAR OF MEDALS ON CIVILIAN CLOTHES Retired personnel and former members of the Army (as described above) may wear all categories of medals described in this regulation on appropriate civilian clothing. This includes clothes designed for veteran and patriotic organizations on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day, as well as at formal occasions of ceremony and social functions of a military nature. Personnel may wear either full-size or miniature medals. Personnel who wear medals on civilian clothes should place the medals on the clothing in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform. *************************************** ***************************************