Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!
Amy,Here are a couple of very short videos I took of Eric giving rides in the Gama Goat at Fort Drum.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7E-TFmxml0[/media]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-cWT18-4Sg[/media]
Thank you for allowing this minor detour.USAFSS-ColdWarrior said:? said:Sir, I have a question and I believe you are in a unique position to answer. In the post about Ft. Drum there are pictures of people in a cemetery. I had mentioned that I was always told you should remove a cap or hat in respect. I did look up cemetery etiquette and there is no mention. What is the norm on this? I put this in a PM because I don't think it is a subject most would be interested in.
Thanks for this opportunity. Your choice of PM'ing is respectful so as not to be seen as a criticism of others.
Your question is a good one. There is no singularly difinitive answer.
Customs, etiquette, religious rites and rituals, respect, and the military code of conduct all play factors into the practice of removing your hat in a cemetery or at a grave site.
From the religious view, particularly from a Catholic or similar "orthodox" Christian doctrine, a man would be expected to remove their hat when in a place of reverence such as a church, chapel, outdoor mass or other service, at a grave site or even anywhere within the cemetery depending upon the degree of orthodoxy the individual chooses to practice. Many take some lattitude with this depending upon who is with them, whether a service is in progress, or even in consideration of the weather conditions. Catholic (and other) women, on the other hand, frequently cover their heads with a scarf or hat under those same circumstances.
However, those of the Jewish faith would typically wear their yarmulke (yah-mu-ka) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippah in any place of reverence.
It seems that most American Protestants (particularly here in west Texas (lots of ranchers, cowboys and farmers), will remove their cowboy hats or ball caps once a graveside service begins, but are otherwise comfortable wearing their hats everywhere else in the cemeteries.
From the military perspective, when not in uniform, the proper way to SALUTE or show respect, is to remove the headgear, and in a patriotic setting, place the right hand (holding the hat) over your heart. When in uniform it is proper military conduct to remove your hat indoors, but to wear it at all times outdoors. Many uniformed military members (other than the Honor Guard) will also remove their headgear when a prayer is being said outdoors.
The old tradition of "tipping your hat to a lady" has similar roots to these.
Generally, the removal of the hat is seen as "exposing your head to God in heaven" with nothing between you and the heavenly spirit.
I suppose that the best answer I can render would be this: Explore your own individual faith and beliefs; consult a clergyman of your church or faith and see what rites and rituals your denomination practices; and decide what YOU believe is the right and proper thing to do.
As a deathcare professional, I honor and respect the traditions of any practitioner of their own beliefs. That does not mean that I particpate in their rituals, but that I do not judge theirs from the perspective of mine. In my heart - and frequently silently, never visilbly - I practice my own faith in a manner that should not offend those I professionally serve.
If you feel compelled to remove your hat upon entering a cemetery, then do it. If others do not, allow it.
If, you are a Christian, and ever have the opportunity to attend a Jewish funeral service, I would ENCOURAGE you to accept a loaned yarmulke and wear it. And to do so respectfully. Look at it as an Old Testament LIVING HISTORY esperience - You will be conducting yourself as Jesus and all of our Old Testament ancestors would have done before the days of Christ's first coming.
When the Rabbi recites prayers in Hebrew at such a service, he is using the very same prayers that we find in the first part of our Bibles, and in the same language that Jesus spoke. Absorb it. It is our heritage.
This is not to denounce modern Christianity, but to better understand the foundations of it. Jews and Christians alike believe the Old Testament.
Beyond this, there are many other rites and rituals associated with Buddism, Paganism, various American Indian spirit-based "faiths", Muslim, and other beliefs. I have simplified this to just a few of the more common. I hope this is helpful.
I had not yet read the referenced thread about Ft. Drum.... so here I go.
Best regards,
John
Jeff, did you forget anyone?
We get it, advertisements are annoying!
Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website like our supporting vendors. Their ads help keep Steel Soldiers going. Please consider disabling your ad blockers for the site. Thanks!