Re: Hats on...hats off. Your input requested
RYAN KEIL (RYAN.KEIL@M.CC.UTAH.EDU)
Wed, 27 Apr 1994 00:54:13 -0600
On Wed, 20 Apr 1994, Fred Rogers wrote:
> This is a real pet peeve of mine. In our troop we require hats off for
> flag ceremony, etc. I encourage hats off when inside, but do not
> require it for the simple reason that I don't want to lose the kids. I
> try to teach them proper "hat etiquette" but I feel like I'm alone on
> this one because they are allowed to wear their hats in school and just
> about everywhere else. They see nothing wrong with wearing hats when
> eating meals. (Fortunately, our summer camp requires hats off the
> entire time they are in the dining hall.)
>
> In summary, as much as I would like to require hats off any time we are
> indoors, I restrain myself and encourage hats off.
>
> Fred Rogers fredrogers@vnet.ibm.com
> Scoutmaster of Troop 30
> Baden-Powell Council
Traditionally--and wearing of headgear is based on tradition (like the
salute and handclasp, etc.), while performing an official function, a
uniformed member should be fully uniformed, including headgear. Even
indoors, the appropriate uniform for a flag ceremony is with the headgear
worn.
As to mess halls, mess tents, dining facilities by any name, the tradition
is headgear off as a matter of respect. This respect comes from the fact
that in times of disaster, war, etc, dining halls are one the first places
converted to, and last converted from, an emergency medical facility. The
removal of the headgear in these places is out of respect for those who
have been injured, the religious rites that take place there on behalf of
the dying, and the passing of those who do not survive.
There is no absolute in this, but this is some info on the traditions of
headwear. Maybe this helps--at least it's interesting, I hope :-).
Ryan Keil
At Large Member
Great Salt Lake Council, BSA
ryan.keil@m.cc.utah.edu
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