So here we are on the verge on Memorial Day weekend and I have a question. I actually have a lot of questions but most are not appropriate for a wide audience.
I consider myself a patriot. I love my country and I have overwhelming gratitude and awe for the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Because of them, I can luxuriate in the freedoms I’m accustomed to. I don’t intimately know many active military personnel or veterans but the few I do, take their commitment very seriously, as they should. My very last intention would be to disrespect them or my country in any way.
What does any of this have to do with running?
In the countless races I have participated in for the better part of 15 years, I’ve heard my fair share of the National Anthem pre-race. I’ve been moved to tears, given chills and yes, even prayed for it to end already so we can go! This is only in the most nasty weather, I promise!
However, until very recently and thanks to Sue at This Mama Runs for Cupcakes, I never took my hat off.
At this point you’re having one of two reactions:
1. Yeah, so?
2. OMG you call yourself a patriot you irreverent, disrespectful traitor?
I honestly had no clue I was supposed to remove my hat out of respect. As a woman, with uncontrollable hair, this is due mostly to vanity. It doesn’t matter if I’m showered or unshowered or if I’ve had my hat on all morning or for 5 minutes, I will always resemble Eddie Munster upon removing it. #NotJoking
Mine looks more matted down then slicked but my husband will tell you – when I wake up in the morning, me and Eddie are twins. My husband is a very lucky man,
I’m happy to report, but unfortunately for those near me at the New Jersey marathon, I removed my hat for the National Anthem and felt damn good about it.
Now, Please tell me I’m not the only one who didn’t know this etiquette rule? I’m writing a piece on this for RunHaven so all honesty is greatly appreciated.
Happy Memorial Day!
I knew hats should be taken off BUT I thought it was only for men to do. It’s not so easy to get a hat off when you have long hair either. I’ve done both at races – kept on and taken off. I think I just followed the lead of everyone around me!
Exactly! I only thought it applied to MEN. Luckily I don’t have a ponytail issue 🙂
I knew about the hats rule, but not a big hats person here so truly have never given it a second thought, but still if I had a hat on and my hair was a mess underneath I totally get what you are throwing down! Chavez a great weekend, Allie 😉
Ha ha thanks Janine! Have a great LONG weekend.
I actually did know about that rule. My family is very military oriented so my dad taught us about that. I’m not a hat person (and can count the amount of times I’ve worn a hat at a race).
I think you need that military edge in order to know this one! Thanks Hollie.
Yes I have definitely heard this debate. I saw it one someone’s social media and it became a thing. I had no idea it was such a big deal for women to respect the hat rule until I saw it so intently debated. Since I barely wear hats this like never applies to me personally but I AM more sensitive to the rule than before. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!!
I know. I wear hats all.the.time so I’m especially sorry 🙁
Have a great weekend Nellie! Squeeze those boys for me!!
Honestly, I really didn’t think much of it. I always made sure my boys removed their hats in certain situations like that but as woman, I really didn’t think it pertained to me. I don’t really wear hats but next time I will pay attention to it.
Right! I thought it was totally a men only rule. Oops.
I work for the military and my fiancé is Army so I was very familiar with the hat trade. Rules for men and women when it comes to hat are very different. Everyone should remove their hat and place it in their right hand when at an outdoor sporting event. However, indoors, rules for hats vary…basically, men aren’t supposed to wear hats inside ever so if they are at a sporting event inside, it definitely needs to be off. Women, wear hats for fashion and not just necessity, so indoors they don’t need to take their hat off during the national anthem.
There is really no reason to know that but to be safe, I always take off my hat.
After doing some research, I realized all these rules! Since most races start outside, and I usually always wear a baseball hat, I need to take it off from now on!
I did know that rule, but I am not sure where or when I learned it. I don’t know too many people in the military, but my husband would for sure know that so I might have learned it from him. I only wear hats when it is raining or looks like it will rain though. I have actually only worn a hat once in a race. 🙂
My problem is that I wear hats almost every race! Oops. At least now I know!
Have a great long weekend Jen 🙂
I think I have to go with Angela on this–I always thought about it for men, but not women. However, why not women? Now I’m going to think about this on my next start line!
I know, right?? I didn’t think it applied to us ladies. I’ll be doing it from now on…
I figured it was for everyone. I would say remove the hat. Happy Memorial Day weekend!
You did?? I’m surprised. I mean, I know that men have to take them off for a variety of things but I never thought about having to do it myself. I do now!! 🙂
Have a great weekend!!
Interesting Allie. To be honest, it has always confused me a little, as I did not see how that helped, but it is something important to Americans, and so I respect that and do it. I actually love the national anthem here and the patriotism, I actually wish we did something like that in england, I am the same as you, sometimes it gives me chills as I realize how lucky I am to be here 🙂 But yes, I am a hats off person!
What a great perspective Tina! We are so lucky to have you here!! 🙂
I always think about this at the baseball. Guys always remove their hats but girls can kind of get away with it. I honestly can’t remember what I do but I think I remove it…
I know!! I wonder what they do in Brazil?? 🙂
Ha, I can’t honestly say that I’ve thought about this topic before! I guess I never have been wearing a hat when I’ve heard the National Anthem… I’m a military wife, and I have to say, the only time I’ve ever gotten annoyed with people during the National Anthem is when they are totally not paying attention and talking through the whole song. It’s happened many times and all I can think is, “RUDE!” If people were wearing their hats during the song but stood there silently as they should, I wouldn’t think anything of it…. but then again, I’m not much for formalities so my opinion probably isn’t all that valuable on this topic! Hahaha.
Of course your opinion is valuable, especially as a military wife! I agree about people talking or not paying attention being far worse then not removing your hat. Great point. Thanks Nicole!
wow what a great topic, honestly i have not thought too much about it. actually i think it cross my mind once in 2007, but i could be wrong, LOL. seriously though, i think i’m so caught up in putting my hand over my heart and trying to hear the song and sing along and carry all my crap,not drop stuff, keep an eye on friends, not lose my shit… ummm yeah, i don’t think i even think of hats. but i think it’s a great point and if i’m wearing one, i should take it off. i haven’t worn a hat in a long time, so maybe that’s another reason i don’t think about it. i usually wear bands or visors or nothing if i’m totally flustered. do visors count? if yes then that sucks because my hair looks crazy when i take it off!
hope you had a great memorial day!
I wear hats at almost every race so I guess this is why I think about it more but, yes I totally understand just keeping all your crap under control before the start!!