He has two and my family would like me to wear them as a mark of respect, Please help!
2006-09-08 22:16:08 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I am British Army, and I have colleagues who have lost relatives and wear them on the opposite side to thier own.
2006-09-08 22:40:11 · update #1
My condolences to you on the loss of your Grandfather. My Grandfather passed away two weeks ago.
It would be against regulations if you wore medals on your uniform that you did not earn.
I think it would be tasteless to wear his service medals.
It would be more tasteful to have the medals on display during his visitation, or placed on display during the funeral service along with his picture.
2006-09-08 22:25:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandfather. God Bless His Soul In Heaven. As far as your question goes, Sorry to say, No, it is not allowed. You can wear them on a civilian suit of clothes, But not on your "Class-A's" or B.D.U.'s issued by the Military. I know it is not what you wanted to hear, And I am really sorry to have to inform you, But it is Military policy. You can apply for a waiver to your company commander, And he will forward your request to division, But I can tell you through experience, You will be refused. And the process of using the chain-of-command for such a request is at least 2 weeks. That being said, There may be good news, Not sure how you will take this. You can wear those medals if there are no-other active military there. If he is having a military funeral, You cant. But if it is a civilian one, and you will be the only one there active military, Well, I cant tell you it's okay, But use your imagination. If you do get caught, it's going to be an Article 15 for sure. I am really sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, But I thought it might help. Hope you can get something out of my answer soldier. Good Luck Man. Sorry about your loss once again. I'll say a prayer for him. God Bless America, and our Troops.1st. Sgt., 7th Special Forces, (Ret.) Vietnam, "67"-"70"
2006-09-08 22:52:39 · answer #2 · answered by KatVic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't' know about British army but US the answer is no. If you didn't earn them you don't wear them. That would be like if my husband passed on me wearing his medals.....if you want to and are authorized wear your uniform and your medals. Explain to your family that it is not a mark of respect to wear them, it is more respectful for you to wear your uniform.
2006-09-12 11:49:11 · answer #3 · answered by fin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your grandfather.
Yes you can wear them but only on the right hand side in a mirror image of where you wear your own. They must also be in seniority order as are your own. Depending on your rank put your feet in to your RSM and or SSM and let them know that you intend to wear them. You could also ask to see a copy of British Army Dress regulations, your Unit and Corps Dress Regulations the Drill Pamphlet and Ceremonial for the Army.
You will not be able to wear them on normal occasions whilst in number 2's but only on remembrance day.
2006-09-09 10:12:45 · answer #4 · answered by nosnibor_jay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a ten-year military veteran with two honorable discharges, I would say, "NO!" Active-duty soldiers, especially, do not wear any medal or ribbon they did not earn. See link below for further clarification.
Instead, your family should consider placing the medals on a pedstal near the coffin at the funeral?
2006-09-08 22:25:14 · answer #5 · answered by Teacher Man 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are allowed to wear his medals, you will be wearing for years to come on as long as it is on the right side of your chest. i have seen loads of people do it. And at funerals i would where them even if i was told not to. So you can ask but who would say no!! Wear them with pride.
2006-09-08 23:58:51 · answer #6 · answered by Coley61 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lee S, my deepest condolences. I believe you have your answer from those who are in the know with regards to customs and courtesies of the British Army.
Ignore the rest of the answers, especially from complete idiots like "broncostud01" and "acacia". All you who posted bullshit answers deserve a thrashing. Especially you ignoramuses who just saw a question and posted crap as an answer to a legitimate question for someone who is in mourning. Shame on all of you.
Lee S, I pray everything goes well. My regards to your esteemed grandfather. May he be accorded the honors so deserving for a lifetime of service.
2006-09-09 05:56:19 · answer #7 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you are entitled to wear a relatives medals but only on the right hand side as opposed to the left.
2006-09-08 22:30:32 · answer #8 · answered by lesley roberto 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry young man, but no you can not wear any medals that you have not personally received by military orders. You can, and I highly recommend that you put your grandfathers service medals with any citations you have on a nice plaque, with his name, branch of service, rank, etc. This plaque can be held by family members or laid at the headstone.
God bless you and your family
I'M SORRY, I DID NOT REALIZE IT UNTIL NOW, THE BRITISH ARMY MAY HAVE DIFFERENT REGULATIONS....FIND A BRITISH SERGEANTS MAJOR, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO TELL YOU.
2006-09-08 22:38:08 · answer #9 · answered by Fitforlife 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can wear them. They have to be worn on the right side, your's, if any, of course on the left.
Check out the remembrance day parade at Whitehall, you will see a lot of young men wearing medals on the right side.
I am Ex, and wore my fathers along with mine.
natsugusa: Well said friend.
broncstud01: you ought to be ashamed of yourself! You are an ignorant moron.
2006-09-08 23:09:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋