23 answers

Would This Be Rude? - Richmond,VA

My daughters school has an assembly today to honor and thank the first responders (fire, EMS, and police) for the 9/11/01 attacks. They've asked any parent that is a firefight, EMT, or police officer to please wear their uniforms to show support.

Pretty cool, I think, there are actually going to be some of the first responders from NY here today, I'm so excited!!

Anyway, when 9/11 happened, I was an EMT at the time (actually in my EMT class that day), and I was thinking of wearing my EMT shirt, the exact same shirt I was wearing the day it happened.

Would that be okay? Or no, since I'm not a certified EMT anymore? I just don't want to offend anyone, I want to be supportive, that's all.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Oh no, I wouldn't be fishing for honors, like I said, they asked parents to dress in uniform if they've served... I just didn't know if, since I'm not anymore, that it would be appropriate...

And no, I wasn't sent to NY to help, but we did volunteer our time out of state since other states sent people up there when it happened, so I guess in a sense, we helped the people helping...

I don't know! Any other time I wouldn't think twice about this, LOL

Featured Answers

Just because you aren't doing it any longer doesn't mean you didn't take the time, blood and sweat to get it done. I wouldn't balk at a retired solider, policeman or fireman wearing it. What's the difference between that and a retired EMT?

4 moms found this helpful

I say wear it! You are doing it to show support, to show that you remember the day, that you are honoring all those affected by that day. I don't think it's rude at all.

3 moms found this helpful

More Answers

You were a 1st responder at the time. You earned your right to wear that shirt. WWII Vets still put on thier uniforms and they are no longer soldiers. Besides, this is very personal. If wearing that shirt takes you back to that day and is part of your tribute, then noone elses opinion matters. Another way to look at it is as a fan. I wear Dirk Nowitzkis jersey and I've never been a Mav! I wear it to show my support.

5 moms found this helpful

I think it's more appropriate for you to wear your EMT shirt than someone who became and EMT AFTER the 9/11 attacks. You were an EMT at the time. You're going to wear the exact same shirt you were wearing the day it happened. I think that says it all.

Someone who became an EMT after the 9/11 attacks--it sounds more like THEY would be the ones fishing for an honor they didn't earn.

When you honor vets for a war, you honor the ones who served during the war, not those who entered the service after the war.

Wear it, be proud and show support!

4 moms found this helpful

Just because you aren't doing it any longer doesn't mean you didn't take the time, blood and sweat to get it done. I wouldn't balk at a retired solider, policeman or fireman wearing it. What's the difference between that and a retired EMT?

4 moms found this helpful

co-mama, wear that shirt with pride! if you already did, then good for you!

you served and we all appreciate you, even though it is a past career now.

it also would connect you to these people, so i really hope you decide to.

3 moms found this helpful

You've totally earned it!! Wear it!! :o)

3 moms found this helpful

Hmm, interesting question! I think if it was me, I'd like to wear it. And I don't think they would be offended, I do think they would feel supported. I say wear it. It's not as if you are pretending you were there.

3 moms found this helpful

Wear the uniform and be proud and let others enjoy your presence.

Good luck to you and yours.

3 moms found this helpful

I say wear it! You are doing it to show support, to show that you remember the day, that you are honoring all those affected by that day. I don't think it's rude at all.

3 moms found this helpful

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.