Wear Your Sunday Best
Getting dressed up?
I’m into it!
I used to hate it. What changed?
One of my best friends, Matt, recently retired from the Navy after 20+ years of service. He asked me to speak at his change of command and retirement ceremony. This type of task is normally reserved for high ranking officers or an immediate superior in command (ISIC) - more commonly known as - Boss.
I was very honored that Matt asked me. Floored actually, and all of sudden nervous. I needed to sit down and think about what I wanted to say, what messages and themes did I think were important? I want to deliver in a big way for Matt and his family. What was I going to wear?
I decided on a navy blue suit, white shirt, red tie, brown shoes, and fun (but tasteful) socks. I felt great, but seriously, does it matter?
I think it does.
Celebrating a dear friend’s remarkable career…and maybe roasting him a little too
When a squadron or military unit celebrates a big milestone like a change of command, one of the first questions that gets thrown around is, “what are we wearing?” Not so secretly everyone is hoping the commanding officer will favor an informal approach, one that requires a “working” uniform. Basically this means that the military members can wear their normal everyday gear, nothing special, nothing fancy. It doesn’t require any alterations, dry cleaning or extra effort. It is way easier.
On the contrary when the commanding officer announces that the event will be in a “dress” uniform, it is accompanied with groans, jeers, and general disdain.
When I was a young junior officer I never wanted to wear anything other than my flight suit. A flight suit is a giant onesie for adults. They are objectively ugly, very comfortable, very identifiable, and key to “looking” like a Navy fighter pilot.
I didn’t appreciate dress uniforms. They were uncomfortable. The material was barely better than burlap. They required a lot of attention and always needed tending.
“Oh I gotta get new rank insignia because I was promoted.”
“I loaned my belt to a friend and he just left on a 8 month deployment - looks like I need a new belt too.”
“The soles of my dress shoes disintegrated (not an exaggeration, it happens), I hope my neighbor wears a 12D?”
And depending on the diet and exercise routine I was keeping, there was a high probability that everything was too tight and my pants too short. It happens, it’s humbling, it is a funny memory…now.
All the above are reasons that military occasions with formal dress requirements are less than beloved … by the service member.
That being said, once I finally squeezed into my uniform, I could feel the shoulders go back, the back straighten, and my jawline appeared suddenly defined. I felt different - dare I say, “special!
Crisp salutes, uniforms, and colors - it is inspiring.
Fast forward. Now I am a retired civilian wrapped in my Sunday best for a friend’s monumental day. As soon as we entered the parking lot for Matt’s change of command and retirement ceremony, it hit me. All I could see were the crisp, starched, radiant white uniforms the Sailors, Chiefs, and Officers were wearing.
Individually they looked like sculpted action figures. They looked confident and capable. When they stood together in formation, perfectly aligned equally spaced it was powerful. They looked impressive. They looked like a well-trained, ready-for-anything team. They inspired confidence that our military is made up of amazing people. Even though I didn’t know all of them personally, I found myself feeling incredibly proud of them.
I was happy that Matt had decided to do a “formal” ceremony. I know getting dressed up isn’t always easy.
To the entire VFA-11 Red Ripper family:
I am so grateful we had the chance to see you in your Sunday best.
I sincerely hope that you and your families had an afternoon, a moment to feel the adoration pouring out of the crowd and over you. You inspire hope. You make us feel safe. You fill us with a renewed sense of optimism.
You deserve to hear it, “Thank you! You look like a million bucks. Now go kick some a$$.”
Cheers to the power of looking good. Keep the uniforms pressed, shoes polished, and pants hemmed. It matters!
The Ready Room Project is taking gratitude to the next step. We know it goes well beyond fancy uniforms. Behind the brilliant summer whites is a spouse, a partner, a parent, big kids and little kids - we see your service, and we want to say thank you.
Whether you’re a service member, family member, or friend, take a minute to connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or via email - wherever you hang out.
Tell us your story. Where do you want to go - let’s get you dressed up and on your way!
