# Headwear During National Anthem **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 26, 2006, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823 "2006-11-26T06:06:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dancetiludrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cab0a1/32.png) [@dancetiludrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dancetiludrop)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/1 "2006-11-26T06:06:25Z")
I read a post on here on why women do not remove their hats during the national anthem. It didn’t really answer the question as fully as I feel need be. I’m trying to discover if it is actual federal law or not. I have seen one website that stated it is federal law to remove your hat during the national anthem, but that law also states that you are to put your right hand over your heart. I’ve also seen several website posting that state it is a “guideline”. I was at a basketball game and was wearing a kippah, which is a knitted jewish head covering. I do not consider this to be a “hat” so I did not remove it. I do remove my baseball hat or winter sock hat when I’m at a game, but do not feel that I should remove something that I do not consider a “hat”. Trying to determine if this is something that is left to my personal discretion or is it an actual law that can be enforced. My feeling is…if it is actual law the right hand on the heart should also have to be enforced as well; in all fairness. Thanks. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/2 "2006-11-26T06:21:36Z")
I don’t see a debate, here. Either the issues are a matter of law or they are not. I’ll send this thread to **General Questions**. [/Moderating] ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/3 "2006-11-26T06:27:11Z")
There cannot possibly be a federal law that would require a man to remove his hat during the national anthem. On the other hand, if you’re a member of the military then you are bound by all sorts of obscure regulations which civilians are not. However, I believe military people in uniform salute rather than remove their hats anyway. ---
**Author:** ![dancetiludrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cab0a1/32.png) [@dancetiludrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dancetiludrop)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/4 "2006-11-26T06:28:01Z")
[QUOTE=tomndebb] I don’t see a debate, here. Either the issues are a matter of law or they are not. I’ll send this thread to **General Questions**. [/Moderating] [/QUOTE] Well if they are or are not law there is still the debate on whether or not you should remove the headwear that has religious implication, whether women should remove any headwear, and the whole debate of the traditionalism of this. ---
**Author:** ![dancetiludrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cab0a1/32.png) [@dancetiludrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dancetiludrop)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/5 "2006-11-26T06:31:50Z")
## Here is a quote from a google Q&A board…but i’m not sure of it validity. Well, believe it or not, it’s a federal law! See: U.S. CODE, TITLE 36, Sec. 301. - National anthem: “During a rendition of the national anthem - … (B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart…” > **[36 U.S. Code § 301 - National anthem](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/301)** Also see the Straight Dope Mailbag: “Why do men take their hats off to show respect but women don’t?” [http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhatsoff.html](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhatsoff.html) Of course, all of this raises the question of how did taking off a hat become a symbol of respect? Here are a couple of web pages with some theories on that: ‘"Just as covering the head symbolized dominance, so uncovering it symbolized submission. Ever since the early Middle Ages, to remove one’s hat - be it made of cloth or metal - has signified subservience to a superior. As an animal bares its throat or belly to a dominant rival, the feudal vassal bared his head to his lord, saying, in effect, “I am at your service; do with me as you will.” This original sense of the ritual is mirrored in the expressions “with hat in hand” and “I take my hat off to him.”’ > **[News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com](https://www.aol.com/)** > > Discover the latest breaking news in the U.S. and around the world — politics, weather, entertainment, lifestyle, finance, sports and much more. “It’s a matter of history.. The “tipping” or removal of a hat is said to have originated from the same place as the military salute. Knights would lift the visor (face guard) on their helm, showing their face as a sign of respect and their empty hand as an indication they meant no harm. This tradition evolved into the modern military salute. Similarly, the removal of a helm (helmet) or other headgear indoors and as a sign of respect or reverence is said to have originated before the Dark Ages. This tradition was carried on throughout the centuries by men of arms (soldiers) and nobility, as well as their staff, servants and slaves. After the Dark Ages, manners and etiquette grew to become an essential part of everyday life and the conventions of hat etiquette became ingrained in civilized culture.” > **[Bcvc.net](https://www.bcvc.net)** > > Bcvc.net viser 5 finansieringslån som er rimelige. Informasjon om hvert enkelt lån finner du her. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/6 "2006-11-26T06:35:32Z")
Here is the [US Flag Code](http://www.suvcw.org/flag.htm) > [@](#): > > Sec. 9. - Conduct during hoisting, lowering or passing of flag > > During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute. When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Aliens should stand at attention. The salute to the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. These are, however, merely guidelines; there is no penalty for not following them. From the site linked: > [@](#): > > Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990. > > While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue ‘official’ rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: ‘No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.’ Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown. Certainly no one would be penalized for not taking their hat off during the national anthem. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/7 "2006-11-26T06:35:50Z")
A synopsis of flag rules may be found at [USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - United States Code](http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html) including the following > [@](#): > > **§171. Conduct during playing** (of national anthem) > During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there. > > **§172. Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery** > The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, ‘I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Note, however, that > [@](#): > > This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. **It does not impose penalties** for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law. Women’s headdress is not specifically addressed. Given that the traditional custom of women at the time these rules were drafted (1920s) was to wear head coverings in church or in any public venues, outdoors or indoors, I would guess that it was assumed that women who were in attendance would have their head covered by custom, but that there would be no opprobrium associated with a woman being bare-headed (beyond that associated with simply defying convention). ---
**Author:** ![dancetiludrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cab0a1/32.png) [@dancetiludrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dancetiludrop)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/8 "2006-11-26T06:43:05Z")
I’ve read all of this…I’m mearly posting this question as I was asked by a faculity member at halftime of the game to “next time” remove my hat. As it wasn’t to me considered a “hat” I didn’t feel it necessary. Again, when I wear a baseball cap or similar type I do remove it. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/9 "2006-11-26T06:43:33Z")
[QUOTE=dancetiludrop] Well if they are or are not law there is still the debate on whether or not you should remove the headwear that has religious implication, whether women should remove any headwear, and the whole debate of the traditionalism of this. [/QUOTE] If you would like to debate the appropriateness of asking or requiring particular clothing customs in particular situations, you are welcome to open a thread in **Great Debates** seeking to argue the merits of a particular position. When you submit a post that asks “what is the law?” you are seeking a different type of answer. Feel free to open a new thread in **GD**. Simply take the time to couch it in language that actually conveys what you would like to discuss. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/10 "2006-11-26T08:48:53Z")
FWIW, when I’ve been to sports events in the US with my American wife (I’m Canadian), and they play the US national anthem with honor guards and flags and whatnot, I remove my hat and stand at attention with my hat in my hand at my side. Why? I’m not American. I’m unsure how this jibes with **tomndebb’s** section 171 that says “all present,” but I cannot, in good conscience, put my hand over my heart for a nation that I owe no allegiance to. That being said, however, I will stand and respect the US flag, it being the flag of the nation that is hosting me. I don’t know how this fits in with the OP, but whenever I’ve been questioned by local seatmates on it, which has happened once or twice, my explanation of “I’m Canadian, not American” usually smooths things over. Certainly, no authorities have ever come into the stands of the stadium looking for the guy who won’t put his hand over his heart when the American national anthem plays. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/11 "2006-11-26T08:59:40Z")
[QUOTE=Spoons] FWIW, when I’ve been to sports events in the US with my American wife (I’m Canadian), and they play the US national anthem with honor guards and flags and whatnot, I remove my hat and stand at attention with my hat in my hand at my side. Why? I’m not American. I’m unsure how this jibes with **tomndebb’s** section 171 that says “all present,” but I cannot, in good conscience, put my hand over my heart for a nation that I owe no allegiance to. That being said, however, I will stand and respect the US flag, it being the flag of the nation that is hosting me. I don’t know how this fits in with the OP, but whenever I’ve been questioned by local seatmates on it, which has happened once or twice, my explanation of “I’m Canadian, not American” usually smooths things over. Certainly, no authorities have ever come into the stands of the stadium looking for the guy who won’t put his hand over his heart when the American national anthem plays. [/QUOTE] I found the same thing the last time I was at Disneyland- when they did the fireworks display and played the US National anthem, all these people were standing there with their hands over their hearts and giving me evil looks because I wasn’t doing the same. However, a cheery “I’m not American, mate!” seemed to sort assuage anyone who actually asked me why I wasn’t showing my allegiance. Couldn’t a Commonwealth citizen be technically committing Treason if they swore Allegiance to the US flag? ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/12 "2006-11-26T09:06:32Z")
[QUOTE=dancetiludrop] I’ve read all of this…I’m mearly posting this question as I was asked by a faculity member at halftime of the game to “next time” remove my hat. As it wasn’t to me considered a “hat” I didn’t feel it necessary. Again, when I wear a baseball cap or similar type I do remove it. [/QUOTE] Your [headcovering](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippah) is exempt, I would think. It is _more_ than a hat. If they try making trouble with you, tell them that they are trying to limit your rights to express your religion. Hopefully they will be smart enough to shut up. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/13 "2006-11-26T22:32:00Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] Couldn’t a Commonwealth citizen be technically committing Treason if they swore Allegiance to the US flag? [/QUOTE] Swearing allegiance to a piece of cloth is treason? Interesting. Anyway, when I was residing on British soil (well, it’s a matter of disagreement between the Crown and the former residents if it’s actually British soil) a few years back, the Royal Navy contingent did salute during the raising of the US flag. The US Navy contingent returned the favo(u)r during the raising of the Union Jack. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/14 "2006-11-26T22:53:35Z")
I think it’s customary, but not required, for men to remove their hats during the national anthem, although a wearer of a kippah or Sikh turban or other religious headwear would be exempt. But I would ask that people not applaud at the conclusion of the anthem, as so many seem to do. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2006, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/15 "2006-11-26T22:55:03Z")
Traditionally women showed modesty and humilty by keeping their hair covered. Men had no such obligation. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2006, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/16 "2006-11-27T02:17:24Z")
[QUOTE=alphaboi867] Traditionally women showed modesty and humilty by keeping their hair covered. Men had no such obligation. [/QUOTE] It’s more of an issue that women’s hats used to be “part of their outfits” - considered a piece of clothing, and tacked on by pins, and a part of the hairstyle. It used to be very difficult for a woman to remove a hat and put it back on in a situation like the playing of the anthem. ---
**Author:** ![Grits\_and\_Hard\_Toast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Grits\_and\_Hard\_Toast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grits_and_Hard_Toast)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/17 "2006-11-27T02:25:50Z")
[QUOTE=dancetiludrop] … Of course, all of this raises the question of how did taking off a hat become a symbol of respect? Here are a couple of web pages with some theories on that: ‘"Just as covering the head symbolized dominance, so uncovering it symbolized submission. Ever since the early Middle Ages, to remove one’s hat - be it made of cloth or metal - has signified subservience to a superior. As an animal bares its throat or belly to a dominant rival, the feudal vassal bared his head to his lord, saying, in effect, “I am at your service; do with me as you will.” This original sense of the ritual is mirrored in the expressions “with hat in hand” and “I take my hat off to him.”’ > **[News, Politics, Sports, Mail & Latest Headlines - AOL.com](https://www.aol.com/)** > > Discover the latest breaking news in the U.S. and around the world — politics, weather, entertainment, lifestyle, finance, sports and much more. “It’s a matter of history.. The “tipping” or removal of a hat is said to have originated from the same place as the military salute. Knights would lift the visor (face guard) on their helm, showing their face as a sign of respect and their empty hand as an indication they meant no harm. This tradition evolved into the modern military salute. Similarly, the removal of a helm (helmet) or other headgear indoors and as a sign of respect or reverence is said to have originated before the Dark Ages. This tradition was carried on throughout the centuries by men of arms (soldiers) and nobility, as well as their staff, servants and slaves. After the Dark Ages, manners and etiquette grew to become an essential part of everyday life and the conventions of hat etiquette became ingrained in civilized culture.” > **[Bcvc.net](https://www.bcvc.net)** > > Bcvc.net viser 5 finansieringslån som er rimelige. Informasjon om hvert enkelt lån finner du her. [/QUOTE] In addition to the theories you have quoted above about why the tradition of removing a head covering as a show of respect started for men, I also have a theory of why women traditionally are not expected to remove their head coverings. I developed this theory when I attended my first Kentucky Derby. I followed one of its traditions by wearing an old-fashioned lady’s hat. I discovered in order to wear one of these hats I had to use a hat pin. [Account Suspended](http://www.abrahamslady.com/items/HatPinLg.jpg) Hat pins are often about 10 inches long, and very sharp. It really could be quite dangerous to pull a hat pin out in a crowded area. I also needed to pin up my hair with other pins, so removing my hat would require the use of both of my hands. I would have to place anything I was carrying, a purse or drink or program on the ground first. The entire process would likely take a few minutes, and leave me looking quite disheveled. To put the hat back on would require a mirror and quite a bit of elbow room and a couple of minutes more time. And if I were to be accidently bumped while trying to put the hat pin in, I could easily be hurt, they really are sharp. With all that is involved, I could see how it really would not be practical for women to remove their hats for the National Anthem. Times have changed, and women now wear ball caps and other casual, easy-to-remove hats, but tradition still allows for women not to remove them. I would think if you could easily remove your kipah and you had no religious reason for not removing it, it would be expected of you to remove it. If you do have a religious reason for not wanting to remove the kipah, but have no problem removing ball caps or other types of hats, then that would fall under your own personal discretion I would think. You can’t be forced to remove it, but people not knowing your religious reasons may find it to be disrespectful. ---
**Author:** ![Grits\_and\_Hard\_Toast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Grits\_and\_Hard\_Toast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grits_and_Hard_Toast)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2006, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/18 "2006-11-27T02:31:09Z")
[QUOTE=Zsofia] It’s more of an issue that women’s hats used to be “part of their outfits” - considered a piece of clothing, and tacked on by pins, and a part of the hairstyle. It used to be very difficult for a woman to remove a hat and put it back on in a situation like the playing of the anthem. [/QUOTE] Ooops, should have previewed. And I do agree what Zsofia said. I think it has a lot to do with the practicality of it. ---
**Author:** ![MrFloppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2006, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/19 "2006-11-27T12:38:02Z")
I’m with Spoons. As a Brit, I remove my hat and stand upright during the US national anthem but I can’t put my hand over my heart. I’ll even sing it since it is a great tune. During the pledge, I stand and face the flag and remain respectfully silent. I guess I could take my US Citizenship test and get to vote and serve on a jury…OK, maybe not 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2006, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823/20 "2006-11-27T17:56:03Z")
For the record, if I am wearing a cap, I will remove it during the national anthem. My yarmulke, however, remains on my head. Zev Steinhardt [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headwear-during-national-anthem/381823.md?page=2)