Uniform Cap Etiquette

The cap’s left side (emblem side) is reserved only for the Legion emblem, city, county, district, or state lettering.

If desired, the following items must be placed on the right side of the cap:
 

• Additional lettering, restricted to either the name of a Post or to an officer title, such as Past Commander Cap insignias or badges for past or present officers Consecutive membership insignia, membership stars, and/or authorized Legion or military service decorations.
  
• Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps.

The Legion uniform cap should be worn by its members only when in attendance at official Legion meetings or ceremonies, as official guests at patriotic or other civil functions, or by individuals when officially representing The American Legion on public occasions.
 
A member is considered in uniform if wearing an official Legion uniform cap. Therefore, wearing the cap while eating at an official Legion, civic luncheon, or dinner is not proper.
 
The cap should be worn in a place of worship only by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard, and Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard. When returned to and seated in pews, the cap should be removed.
 
Legion posts marching in formation into a place of worship should uncover at the door, hold the cap with the right hand over the heart until the pews arrive, and be commanded to take seats, remaining uncovered during the entire service. Upon command, the post shall arise at the close of the service, and the members holding the cap with the right hand over the heart will march out of the place of worship and recover after marching through the door.
 
Legion members not in formation will uncover upon entering the place of worship, remain uncovered during the entire service, and recover after leaving the place of worship.
 
When at a funeral, the cap should be held over the heart as one approaches the casket and is not worn in a place of worship (except by the Guard of Honor, Color Guard, or Commander of same while in marching order or standing guard.) The cap should be held in the right hand over the heart at the graveside during the entire service. In cold and inclement weather, the cap should not be worn.
 
In Legion meetings, the cap should be worn except during moments of the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and when standing in silent reverence in memory of departed comrades, when the cap should be held with the right hand over the heart.
 
Female members of the Legion should wear their caps in the manner prescribed for female personnel of the armed services.

Dignified Flag Disposal

Proper flag disposal, known as a Flag Retirement Ceremony, is one of the many patriotic duties American Legion Posts conduct nationwide. Old, weathered, faded, ripped, or torn flags should be replaced with new flags. A retired flag deserves to be respected, for it still represents our great nation and citizens. Please help to ensure our nation’s flags are properly disposed of with dignity, patriotism, and honor when they reach the end of their serviceable career.

Monument’s Closest Dignified Flag Disposal:
Vfw Post 7829 Msgt William J Crawford
18945 Pebble Beach Way
Monument, CO
80132-8971
719-488-1902