Bloomer School Board Rejects Marine Uniform for Graduation

First Warn On-Line: Breaking News and Weather Alerts to Your Desktop!

Fair
	Temp: 74 F (23 C) Humidity: 43 Heat Index: NA F

Home · News · DayBreak · Weather · Sports · Entertainment · Health · Schools · Politics · Autos

Inside WSAW · Program Guide · Blog Center · Send it to 7 · Job Search · Community · Contests/Promotions · Creative Services · Sales · Recipes/Restaurants · Featured Links

Bloomer School Board Rejects Marine Uniform for Graduation

Save

Posted: 12:57 PM May 13, 2008
Last Updated: 7:00 PM May 13, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press

12 comments

A | A | A

BLOOMER, Wis. (AP) -- A new Marine who's graduating from Bloomer High School this month won't be able to wear his military uniform during the commencement ceremony.

The Bloomer School Board has denied Daniel Ligen's request to wear his Marine uniform. Ligen finished his class work early in order to enlist and will be done with basic training at the San Diego Marine base by graduation on May 31.

The board adopted a policy Monday night that requires a cap and gown be worn for graduation. There was a motion to allow an exception for military personnel, but it wasn't seconded.

One board member says the denial is not an attempt to be unpatriotic, but the cap and gown celebrates education.

Regents Seek Money for UW System Growth Plans

Regents: Report on UW Counseling is a Wake-Up Call

Ex-UWM Student Leader Gets 1 Year of Probation

Ripon College Offering Bikes to Car-Loving Students

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: etta Location: virginia beach va on May 25, 2008 at 12:51 PM
What will i be doing tonight, Georgia??? Well, i just got home and took off my own uniform. After working all weekend, it's time to relax, so i end this with BEST WISHES to Daniel Lincoln. May he wear his Marine uniform with pride and satisfaction when appropriate and may he wear Honor in his heart forever. Semper Fi.

Posted by: Things to consider Location: Georgia on May 23, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Etta I am a person involved in rescue and health care and I have helped people in need dressed in something other then my "uniform". I also know when my uniform should and should not be worn. This is not about pride in a uniform but about the correct attire for a specific event. My uniform does not make me a professional nor does it increase my skills or abilities to perform my job. He needs to wear the Cap and Gown and have a great time. I hope everyone takes time this weekend to think about our lost vets. I am the sister of a vet (Navy) who died. I will be watching the annual Memorial day Concert from Washington D.C. on Sunday night. What will you be doing?.

Posted by: etta Location: virginia beach va on May 21, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Well, i'd like to just say this about that, regarding "Things to Consider." Official protocol aside, i think most high schools would be proud to present him in uniform. And if you ever need rescue, law enforcement or military protection, i hope a bunch of people in tuxedos are there for you!

Posted by: Things to Consider Location: Georgia on May 20, 2008 at 03:03 PM
This issue is not about supporting or not supporting the military. This issue is about the correct dress for a specific event (High School Graduation). Etta is incorrect that the dress uniform supersedes all other attire. In this case the question was ask if the dress uniform was the correct attire and the answer was no. The correct attire for the participants of the event is a Cap and Gown. This is not an issue of patriotism or supporting our troops, this is about a high school graduation ceremony. Service members are not required to wear a uniform 24/7/365 and are not required to wear a dress uniform for semi-formal or formal events that are not military related. An example would be a wedding where the bridesmaid or groomsmen are in the military but wear a dress or tuxedo (the required dress for the wedding party).So this is really about what should be worn during a high school graduation ceremony and the answer is a cap and gown.

Posted by: Etta Location: Virginia Beach VA on May 19, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Please convey to the school board of Bloomer, Wisconsin our sincere request that the people of the United States be heard in tis request: to ask that reasonable consideration be given to the supercedence of military dress uniform to any other ceremonial dress, on any occasion, including official state occasions. A high school graduation is NOT an exception to this adherence to uniform policy for active military. Active duty enlistees are needed in times of peace as well as war. Please do not dishonor the sincerity and commitment of Daniel Lincoln by presuming that he is a mere tool for recruitment, if that is your concern. Our constitution is protected by the dedication and sacrifice of those who "choose to serve" so that we can all think and speak freely and pursue happiness. He is a man now, and held to a higher standard, but also a boy who deserves to share his highschool graduation with his classmates. Thank you.

Posted by: Michelle Location: BLOOMER WI on May 17, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Yes the Bloomer Community is proud this this young man for taking the challenge of entering into the Marines and is willing to go and serve, but he should also be proud of graduating from Bloomer High School and receiving a diploma which is accepted by wearing your cap and gown. When Marines graduate they don't even wear their uniforms to their own ceremony. His family may be very proud of him as well as the Bloomer Community but a cap and gown should be worn.

Posted by: Friend of Daniel's Father Location: E.C. WI on May 16, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Daniel's father showed me an email that he received from a supporter who talked to someone on the school board. Truth be known that the Bloomer School Board approached the American Legion and the Marine Corp Recruiting office in Eau Claire. The board member confided that the board they would have said yes if they would have gotten a "YES" from either the American Legion or the Marines, which both of them would have liked to see that, they couldn't as it would be dictating public policy. This email also discussed that the school board also had to do something for a graduation ceremony that had gotten out of control. In speaking with Mr. Lingen, a simple question brought to the school board that didn't have a graduation policy until now. Fingers are being pointed at him for all the media attention its generated. He told me fears a spectacle at Bloomer's graduation on May 31st, like some of the residents and students feel. He has heard that the veterans may show up in mass.

Posted by: Kathy Location: Hutchinson on May 16, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Shame on the school Board. This young man is willing to die for his country and he cannot wear his uniform to graduation. SHAME SHAME SHAME.

Posted by: Kim Location: Lunning on May 15, 2008 at 04:35 PM
High school ceremony is not just about surviving 12 years of public school. It's about celebrating individual achievement, about becoming an adult, about leaving the safe harbor of childhood and entering the world of adult responsibilities as well as adult freedoms. About making your mark in the world. About deciding whether to make place we live in a better place, or to simply sit back and enjoy it's opportunities. This young man has chosen a path of service and dedication to his country, and we should all be proud of him. By denying his request to wear his Marine uniform, you give the impression that you would rather not be associated with this achievement. That you are somehow ashamed of him. Yet, God forbid if this young Marine should make the ultimate sacrifice, you will be the first to step up and proudly say "this man was a product of our school". You can't have it both ways, and shame on you if you try. Let him wear his uniform. Respectfully, Kim Lunning, Patriot Guard Rider

Posted by: Richard Location: Orange, California on May 15, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Dear Bloomer School Board, I hope there is still time to change the boards decision to not allow this young defender of America the privilege of wearing the Marine Corps uniform to his graduation. As a former student and Marine Corps veteran I can assure you that this is an extremely important opportunity for you to show your students and the watching world that exceptions can be made for exceptional Americans. Especially those willing to lay down their lives for their country. Respectfully, Richard Woodley U.S.M.C. Veteran Proud Member of the Patriot Guard Riders

Posted by: Doc Location: Milwaukee,Wi. on May 14, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I sure hope no body on that school board has any hopes of remaining employed when their contracts come up for renewal. They all should be recalled immediately. They may not wish to be percieved as unpatriotic but I think they certainly appear unpatriotic if not down right ignorant.

Posted by: wayne Location: wausau on May 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
The bloomer school board won't let a marine wear the uniform for graduation, but they will let him wear it for his funeral if he makes the ultimate sacrafice.