that's cool

  I saw a post about a gentleman that was a veteran of WW2 wearing his medals. It was mentioned how he had gone to the pub, and someone asked him about them. His reply was that seldom did anyone ask anymore and he thought that no one cared. That post, meme, or whatever you want to call it was designed to arouse an emotional response. As a retired military man, it drew my attention because that gentleman was in civilian clothing. The mention that he was going to a pub was a clue. He must be in Great Britian. He was. And that made me think about that. In the movies that seems to be a common enough thing to see in England. But, as I said, that's the movies and I'm not sure how accurate that would be. Google informs me that it is an authorized thing for certain holidays and occasions. The Royal British Legion, Britian's largest military charity publishes a guide. 

 Here in the United States that isn't a thing. I've read where it is permissible to do so for military holidays, events or occasions. There are no official guidelines, no instructions for doing that, however I  did find an "advisor" that says they should be worn just like they would be on your uniform. Either full sized or miniature is acceptable. I have never seen anyone do that. I wonder why that is, especially in today's world. It's a sore spot with me, the wearing of all the ribbons, badges or whatever to signal your support for every cause imaginable. Virtue signaling! It is something I was taught not to do. It wasn't called virtue signaling back in the day, it was called bragging, showing off, or being insincere. The sentiment being you are looking for recognition for your good deeds. You certainly didn't wave the flag about that! 

  It isn't illegal here in the United States to wear military insignia on civilian clothing. It has never been illegal but always considered in a very bad light. It's a form of stolen valor if you did not earn that insignia. Even if you did and are entitled to wear that it is in bad taste to do so. Even in our Hollywood movies the insignia was often incorrect. That was done purposely so as not to bring any disgrace to that insignia. In the fifties when I was little, we were told you could get arrested for wearing them! They were treated with almost the same respect as the Flag. By the mid-sixties most of that had changed and today I don't think many even think about any of that. 

  I didn't earn many ribbons or medals during my twenty years. Four medals, seven ribbons and one special insignia for being a navy recruiter. The truth is I can't remember what a few of the ribbons are for. All medals and ribbons aren't made the same. I got the good conduct medal for well, good conduct. I didn't get into any trouble. Another metal means I was in the service for at least ninety days during a time of war. The other two involve desert storm/desert shield and the liberation of Kuwait. No purple hearts, silver stars or Medal of Honor. 

 To those that know what those ribbons and medals represent, it isn't much. You are not expected to know what they are. If I were to wear them it would certainly project an image. And that's the problem I have with that. I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I would feel very self-conscious about that. Not when wearing the uniform itself; but if I were to wear them on my civilian clothes. That's what I'm thinking about. It's a curious custom in Britian. I wonder just how prevalent it really is. I don't know anyone that is British and lives there to ask. I expect much like here in America attitudes change, traditions come and go. People are pretty much the same everywhere you go I know that from experience. Local customs are different that much is certain. I guess it is what you would call "social consciousness" the way people act. What we might say is, cool. It's important, being cool. Are you cool? I'm cool. It's not cool in America to wear your military decorations on your civilian clothing. In Britian? I guess so.