Can You Put Your Hat Over Your Heart for the National Anthem?

The 4th of July is coming up and that means we'll be hearing our national anthem more than typical.

Whether you're standing for the national anthem or rising for the pledge of allegiance, we all know the drill. We stand, we face the flag, we place our hand over our heart, and we respect the flag whose liberty and freedom it represents for all of us.

But what if you're wearing a hat?

As most know, you remove your hat out of respect but now you're left holding your hat.

Can you just put your hat over your heart? I have seen several who have including myself.

It got me thinking... is it proper to put your hat over your heart?

I did some quick research.

Can you place your hat over your heart for the national anthem or pledge of allegiance?

The quick answer is you shouldn't.

Looking at the patriotic customs from the patriotic societies and observances, it's not quite proper.

Not to say the respect isn't there or would be something to get you kicked out, but, customarily, it is your hand that needs to be over your heart, not your hat.

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It does say, however, that when you remove your hat with your right hand, you can have your hat in your hand and just bring it up to your heart with your hat kind of over your left shoulder. Yes, you're still holding your hat, but your hand is technically over your heart so that counts.

Putting your hat over your heart means your hand is probably over your stomach or maybe even your appendix.

Alternatively, and probably even more proper, is to hold your hat with your left hand and place your right hand over your heart. Easy enough.

I was curious about it, myself, so I thought I'd share.

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