Remove hats for national anthem?

[SCcaretaker]

OK, so I don't get out all that much, however...at a vintage racing event a couple of weeks ago while the Canadian and American national anthems were played prior to the track activity, several people ( in the car corral, not in the paddock) just ignored the fact that everyone else was facing in the direction of the flags and/or music, and did not make any effort at removing their hats. We are talking mature adults here, some on the plus side of 50. The previous motorsport event I attended was a WOO sprint car venue. Prior to the anthem the announcer requested that everone remove their headgear, and if your neighbor chose not to, please remove it for them.
So, is this a common behavior now, or is it just too non PC to address the issue? And finally, how would you address this issue?

[Heel n Toe]

There are plenty of people who have no idea of the level of sacrifice that has been made for their freedom. There are plenty who don't care. There are plenty who think of themselves as pacifists who won't take their hats off because they're against all war and violence.

Don't let 'em bother you. They have the right to be this way.

[Jim Bremner]

I have always removed mine. I have encouraged my sons to do the same. Enter a building? remove your hat.

[livi]

Where does the "remove your hat" customs/traditions come from? I mean, whats the practical/social point of removing ones hat? It seems like a very widespread tradition around the world.

[rfuerst911sc]

The folks that don't remove their hats during the national anthem are generally the same goofballs that don't remove them in a restaurant either. But you do have the right to be ignorant.

[KFC911]

Similar thread came up many years ago, so I paid closer attention shortly after at a Rolex race I was attending at VIR. Although virtually everyone was respectful, I'd say less than half removed their caps...sometimes I do, sometimes I don't...doesn't have anything to do with respect. My grandfather (RIP) a WWII vet...certainly didn't "idolize" the flag (his perspective)...his religious beliefs took precedence over honoring "objects". No one was more patriotic than he was I might add...he just had a different viewpoint. Respect doesn't have anything to do with having a cap on or not imo.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by SCcaretaker

Prior to the anthem the announcer requested that everone remove their headgear, and if your neighbor chose not to, please remove it for them.
So, is this a common behavior now, or is it just too non PC to address the issue? And finally, how would you address this issue?

I always remove my hat. But I would address the issue of other people's choice by minding my own business. Was that announcer trying to insight fights?

[widgeon13]

FWIW

It has even gone so far as to be a law in the United States to take your hat off during the national anthem, but only for those not in the military (once again, those in the military are typically never to take their hats off during the national anthem as the hat is a part of their uniform). This law is under United States penal code Title 36, Chapter 10. There is no penalty listed for failure to comply, but it’s still a law. Specifically: “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…”

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by livi

Where does the "remove your hat" customs/traditions come from? I mean, whats the practical/social point of removing ones hat? It seems like a very widespread tradition around the world.

In a word "Respect". I suppose it could be considered that uncovering one's head is a way to show submission...in a way....kinda sorta? I guess I don't really know. I just do it and use the moment to offer a silent thank you.

[911SauCy]

When people don't acknowledge or respect the anthem...SauCy says something

My friends didn't come back from the sand missing arms, legs, and a whole lot of mental capacity so these self absorbed morons can live free.

They did it for their Country and the well being of future generations. THAT MUST BE RECOGNIZED.

(Sips coffee, with a satisfied looked taps the "post quick reply" on I-Pad)

[bmcuscgr94]

I've rarely seen that around here. We have a lot of parades and of course all sorts of local sporting events and very seldom do I see anyone not remove their hat for the national anthem.

I had the honor of riding in the 4th of July parade with a couple of WWII and Iraq/Afganistan vets. We were behind the color guard. I didn't see anyone not remove their hat or salute the flag as it went by.

When I've been at events where the flag or national anthem is presented/played I always remove my hat or place my hand over my heart. I try and educate those around me if they are doing the same.

[weseeeee]

I remove my hat and put my hand over my heart. My kids do the same

[livi]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

In a word "Respect". I suppose it could be considered that uncovering one's head is a way to show submission...in a way....kinda sorta? I guess I don't really know. I just do it and use the moment to offer a silent thank you.

Sounds very plausible. Thanks!

[Danimal16]

The removal of the hat (cover) and placing it over one's heart is a form of salute. If you want to salute, fine, if not fine. It has nothing to do with respect. IMHO, the respect is standing and remaining quiet during the playing of the national anthem.

My family goes to a Niner's game every year to celebrate my Father's birthday. The first year we did this I was stunned by the respect and friggin' beauty of how the crowd honored the playing of the anthem. You could have heard a pin drop as folks rose to their feet. It was very heart felt!

I am a long time Packers fan, but I LOVE the Niner's and their fans for how they express their respect. But the hat is a salute, so is the hand over the heart, so is standing and so is present arms. Don't sweat the hat thing.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by bmcuscgr94

I've rarely seen that around here. We have a lot of parades and of course all sorts of local sporting events and very seldom do I see anyone not remove their hat for the national anthem.

I had the honor of riding in the 4th of July parade with a couple of WWII and Iraq/Afganistan vets. We were behind the color guard. I didn't see anyone not remove their hat or salute the flag as it went by.

When I've been at events where the flag or national anthem is presented/played I always remove my hat or place my hand over my heart. I try and educate those around me if they are doing the same.

So do I. But there are many who don't know all the protocol in detail, but they still will rise for the colors.

[widgeon13]

It is interesting that at NASCAR events they ask spectators to stand and remove hats for anthem.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

My friends didn't come back from the sand missing arms, legs, and a whole lot of mental capacity so these self absorbed morons can live free.

There is no freedom in being forced to salute a piece
of music.

[rusnak]

The issue is respect. Respect is putting others before yourself.

I take my hat off when indoors, especially at a dinner table. I put my hand over my heart and face the flag during the national anthem.

My grandparents taught me to do that. They were born in the early 1900s and were sent to concentration camps during WWII. They lost everything. They were loyal American citizens and were absolute in the belief that this is the greatest country in the history of the world. They had respect for the sacrifice that their fellow Americans were making during the war, and they taught me to do the same. I am grateful for that. Out of respect for the memory of those who served, died, and to whom I owe my freedom, I remove my hat.

[lane912]

I noticed the same thing at that event and was bothered by it-

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

The removal of the hat (cover) and placing it over one's heart is a form of salute. If you want to salute, fine, if not fine. It has nothing to do with respect. IMHO, the respect is standing and remaining quite during the playing of the national anthem.

My family goes to a Niner's game every year to celebrate my Father's birthday. The first year we did this I was stunned by the respect and friggin' beauty of how the crowd honored the playing of the anthem. You could have heard a pin drop as folks rose to their feet. It was very heart felt!

I am a long time Packers fan, but I LOVE the Niner's and their fans for how they express their respect. But the hat is a salute, so is the hand over the heart, so is standing and so is present arms. Don't sweat the hat thing.

Too many American born drivers stand and talk during the NA. I say if you don't want to participate in being respectful, go to the bathroom during the ceremony. Or go buy a beer. They don't stop serving during the anthem.

Although they might ought to.