Is There a Tartan Just for Veterans?

Military service and Scottish heritage have long shared a close connection. From Highland regiments to modern pipe bands, tartan has become a powerful symbol of pride, identity, and shared experience. Today, every branch of the U.S. military has an associated tartan, giving service members, veterans, and their families a unique way to celebrate both their service and their heritage.

But unlike clan tartans that can date back centuries, U.S. military tartans are a much more modern tradition. They are also pretty unique. British military units typcally have a clan tartan associated with them, not a design created just for them.

One of the biggest misconceptions about military tartans is that they were officially commissioned by the U.S. government or are part of military uniforms. In reality, that's not how they came to be. 

Most U.S. service branch tartans were created because veterans and service members wanted a tartan they could proudly wear to represent their branch. Rather than being designed by the military itself, these tartans were grassroots efforts that gained popularity within the military community.

The Coast Guard tartan is one of the few with official recognition within its organization, being worn by the Coast Guard Auxiliary Pipe Band, while the remaining branch tartans are generally considered unofficial symbols of pride rather than components of military dress uniforms. They have nevertheless become widely recognized throughout the military and Scottish communities alike.

The colors used in each service tartan often draw inspiration from branch uniforms, insignia, or history. The Army tartan reflects traditional Army colors, while other branches incorporated colors from their dress uniforms or significant military symbolism. Each branch followed its own path, but all share the same purpose: giving members of that service a tartan they can proudly call their own.

Today, each of these tartans is woven regularly ensuring they're available for kilts, accessories, and Highland wear for veterans and supporters alike.

The evolution of military tartans didn't stop with the service branches. Numerous more specialized tartans have been designed for units, awards, military baes, etc. Mosrt are passion projects and not too many are woven regularly. For example the 'Broken Arrow tartan and the 'Sea Bees Tartan'.

As veterans' organizations continued embracing Scottish tradition, many saw the opportunity to create tartans representing the lifelong bonds formed through military service. Organizations like the Scottish American Military Society helped foster interest in preserving both military history and Scottish culture, while veterans themselves continued creating new tartans to honor shared experiences.

It was this spirit that eventually led to the creation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars tartan.

In 2025, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States formally introduced the official VFW tartan, a new symbol designed to reflect the organization's enduring values, history, and shared experience of overseas service. Created by Joshua Cannon, VFW Life Member #6224526, the tartan is authorized for wear by VFW members in good standing and their families.

Cannon is a native of western Pennsylvania whose family emigrated from Ireland and Scotland some 400 years ago. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2010 and deployed to Iraq three times—first with a 99th Division Reserve company and later with the 502nd Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

"I'm very proud of my heritage and background," Cannon says. "Every generation in my family has served and fought for America in every American conflict. Because of people like my ancestors, Celtic culture inevitably is now part of the American fabric."

The inspiration for the tartan came from a simple conversation among comrades.

"A few years ago, I was in VFW Memorial Park Post 764 enjoying the camaraderie when a kilted comrade was also there," Cannon explains. "After discussing his tartan representation, I proposed that the VFW should be represented as well.

"So I then asked the Post, the District, State and National if I could design it, and after receiving permission I did."

Like the military branch tartans before it, the VFW tartan grew from the passion of one veteran who believed his organization deserved its own enduring symbol.

Tartans have long served as visual expressions of identity and belonging. Originally associated with regions and families in Scotland, they have evolved into internationally recognized emblems adopted by military units, civic organizations, and service groups. They honor shared history, strengthen camaraderie, and create a tangible connection between past service and present fellowship.

The VFW tartan follows that tradition.

Its sett incorporates the colors of the VFW Seal with a fine thread of Infantry Blue, creating a design intended to represent the entire VFW community. Rather than honoring a single branch, it recognizes everyone who has earned membership through overseas service.

Cannon envisions many uses for the tartan, from kilted honor guards leading parades to formal Highland dress at weddings, funerals, and commemorative ceremonies.

"Having been around kilts most of my life I've always noticed a lifted momentum of pride when someone represents their clan," Cannon says. "I am hopeful that this tartan will ignite another layer of pride for those involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars."

For Cannon, the VFW represents something much larger than an organization.

He imagines VFW members as a family—a warrior clan in many ways. The tartan reflects that unbreakable bond while blending modern military service with centuries-old Scottish tradition.

"The VFW is not just another 501(c) organization. It's an extended family that's willing to fight with blood and pen for veterans' freedoms and rights and the United States' freedoms and rights."

Whether it's the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars, military tartans all tell a similar story. They weren't created because someone ordered them into existence. They were created because veterans and service members wanted a lasting symbol of their shared experiences, sacrifices, and pride.

For military families with Scottish ancestry—or simply an appreciation for Highland tradition—a military tartan offers a meaningful way to honor both service and heritage. Worn as a kilt, sash, tie, scarf, fly plaid, or accessory, these tartans continue to remind us that while uniforms may eventually be hung in the closet, the bonds of service last a lifetime.

The VFW tartan is copyrighted and registered with Scotland's National Register of Tartans, protecting the design from unauthorized reproduction. Only mills authorized by the VFW may weave the cloth, and only approved artisans may produce products from it. USA Kilts is proud to be among the authorized makers producing kilts and accessories in the official VFW tartan.