I'm of course all for the memorial armband we've briefly discussed... but I think some of this might be getting rushed a little bit in Chris's Memorial thread.

Nothing personal against Dom or his current proposal, I know his heart is in the right place... but I cannot believe this was all suddenly decided since only yesterday afternoon. DragonCon is several months away, and I am highly interested in exploring other options and doing this right.

There are a lot of creative and design-orientated people on this board, and I think we should all have a chance to contibute or offer suggestions regarding something as important as this, especially if it is something to be worn by most (if not all) of the marines attending DragonCon this year.

That said, I firmly believe that the thicker black band would prove to make a stronger impact as to the reason we are wearing it. I also believe that the graphic design should be greatly simplified to provide a stronger impact to those that see it. Again, nothing personal against the graphic Dom presented.

This is all about Chris, and representing both him and the entire USCM Corp properly -- and with serious heart.

A black 'mourning' armband, should be just that -- BLACK. It really should be devoid of all colour and should NOT be allowed to blend into the business of the rest of our colourful patches and armour graffiti.

This is what I had been loosely thinking all along...



It may not be quite as cheap or easy -- or maybe it will. Regardless, that's not the point. The point is for this to armband to present itself boldly without any unnecessary fluff, and to speak volumes without anyone really having to question who or what. I guarantee this armband will stand out like a sore thumb everywhere, especially in the parade.

We could even add his registration ID if we felt it didn't busy it up too much. Sometimes less is more.

I open the floor to all opinions and thoughts.

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Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

I have to agree. A memorial armband should be simple, and black.

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-Spat

Thirded on all counts, esp. appreciation of Dom's efforts.

But yes, simple is better.

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Jay Pennington

This is a good subject. Valid points. I too like both. I will be mounting Dom's pic on my left shoulder pauldron. The smaller one. It will be laminated. Forever on my armor.

One thing,if we decide to do the black armband, may I suggest "Chris" instead of "Christopher"?

Dom and Dave's armband would look nice. I really, really like it.

But...
Rip's would set a good image of solidarity in the parade. It would show at a glance to all that we all remember and miss, our friend.

_________________


USCM- The Colonial Marines- A Brotherhood of Bad Asses!

Not to take sides in this. I've talked to both Dom and Rick. Stepping back and looking at this from the heart I think my hardest and darkest time will be at DCON when I finally realize Chris is gone.

To reflect this I would have to go with a black armband as in my original design. I think both efforts have merit as I would proudly wear both.

Solidarity.

Thanks Rex -- that's the word that kept eluding me.

Although I was showing respect by using Chris's proper name, Christopher, we all knew him as Chris. So it seems only right to keep his name in the form more familiar to us:



I also changed the font on his callsign to the more appropriate USCM armour stencil font. The rest I'd prefer to leave in the cleaner looking Microgramma Bold font.

As I mentioned before, I'm completely open to suggestions and ideas to help make this armband something special -- something we would all be proud to wear together in remembrance of a very good friend and fellow marine.

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Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

I too like this, it's very clean and simple. Works for me.

Harry

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http://www.facebook.com/TheHHACA - @TheHHACA

I like the idea.

And yes Rick.....that is why I'm stepping back and just keeping out of planning etc.

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I would be interested in one of these as well.
I don't know if anyone has sourced anything out yet, but maybe a sign up list should get started.
A question for Spat..
Spat would you be able to produce these ?
I have no idea how much work would have to go into them.

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---------------------------
Scott
13

A10/TQ2.0.42142E1

I would definitely wear this.


I hope my next comment doesn't sound flippant or crass...

Whenever I see a black armband my first thought is "Who died?", and usually if I know the person wearing it I will go ahead and ask that.

To me that is part of the reason for wearing one- whenever someone (who didn't know Chris) asks "Who's FNG?"- it gives us the opportunity to tell someone what a terrific friend he was and how dearly he will be missed by us all.

_________________
I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

I think they both are real good symbols to honor our friend.

I like and will get both.

I have wore the plain black ones at time while dealing with the passing of friends, and have often thought at the time that it would be nice to have something with a little color.

I have a couple like the above one but all these have on are call signs for silent keys. (amatuer radio operators who have passed)
I would have been nice to have had the name on then like this one, and at time it would have been nice to look at it while wearing and see the person being honored.

If we do sign up put me down for one.

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SFC
Michael Larson
Minnesota-USA

A03/TQ1.0.92141E1

All of your comments are greatly appreciated -- keep them coming.


Exactly. It's pretty universal that way. It stands out and helps to speak for itself.


Dave has pointed me to a place that does a black ribbon armband measuring 3" x 16" and imprinted with whatever text or logo we want, and attaches with velcro. I'm going to request a sample and discuss the proposed text as that may need to be supplied as photo-ready art if they are not able to reproduce the fonts and their respective size. I will supply the proper font sets to them if necessary, and only if they can reproduce the proper sizing and spacing.

Once I decide to get a list going, I'll definitely put you on it Scott -- along with everyone else expressing interest here. I just don't want to dilute this thread with a running list right now. I want to focus on getting input on these armbands, and begin to get some of the details finalized.

These armbands will be produced, and will be made available for all who wish to wear them.

Although I would like to see every marine wearing one of these at DragonCon 2008 anytime they are in uniform, I am not expecting it. On the other hand, I will expect all marines to be wearing them during the parade.

That said, please consider these as my suggestion for our 'official' Black Parade armbands.

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Rick "Ripstick"
A03/TQ3.0.12142E1

As previously mentioned, I'm down for one as well...

My one suggestion: perhaps put " " around the FNG in the band? It would make it crystal clear that was his nickname and remove the possibility of anyone going "Huh? What does FNG stand for?" instead of "Hm, who was 'FNG'?"

Just a thought Either way, I'll wear one proudly.

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CPL Sean Maio A01/TQ2.0.72156E1
Public Relations Division (Temporary Cross-Assignment)
M-56 Smartgun Operator, A/3Btn, II CMEF, USS Sephora

I could have made these, but sold my embroidery machine a while back.

Sorry.

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-Spat

Is this still a reality?
Best site I could find was this:
http://www.worldcupsupply.com/armbands.html

Probably fairly expensive, though.

Collin "Ripper714"

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That was one of the site Rip is looking into.

Dave

I'm onboard with this as well.

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CPL Conley, D. A06/TQ2.0.72147E1



"To err is human; to forgive, divine... Neither of which is Marine Corps policy."
"In Onoraigh Ar Marbh" ~ We Honor Our Fallen

I'm on board too, but I'd like to get one of these before SD Comic-Con in July.

Chris was the first Marine I walked around the Con with and I had a BLAST with him, I'm sorry I never got to hang out with him at DC.

- Jeff

I'll need one too. Chris is why I'm here.