This Marine said NO!
Today Alex went to the DMV to renew his license. When he was told to go have his picture taken he noticed there were some men having their pictures taken wearing turbans. Alex was asked to take his hat off to have his picture taken. He said “no”, and “no” again when asked the second time. When asked why he would not remove his hat he said, “those men didn’t remove their head wear, I shouldn’t either.” It was explained that this was their attire and their religion. Alex told the DMV person that what he had on was his attire, and when he entered the Marines he declared an oath to the USA, and one nation under God, so that his oath was under God—just as good as his religion. The DMV people didn’t know what to do, they spoke to supervisors and called Sacramento. Alex was told, after an hour, that he could wear his hat for the picture and if there were any problems they would let him know and he could appeal their decision. He told them if there was a problem he WILL appeal. Alex feels no one has more right to display their head-gear then a veteran or active duty service person. When he left several employees at the DMV clapped quietly for him. He has spoken to few other Veterans and they plan to do the same.
Originally posted 2015-12-16 23:27:05.
I both agree and disagree. While I agree what he did and why he did it, I disagree because we are taught as Marines to not wear hats inside. I still remove mine when I enter a building.
Brannon, yes, you are correct, we were taught to remove our covers—remember, girls wear hats…smiles—when entering a building unless under arms. And to this day I “usually” do; however, sometimes when I am wearing one of my ball caps that have a small discreet EGA or the word Marine, I often leave it on in places like Home Depot etc., because I am both proud of being a Marine, and that I have no place to put it. Having said that, I always remove it in someone’s house, restaurants, etc., and I do wear a cover all the time—skin cancer.