DEAR MISS MANNERS: Today's etiquette is changing. If I remember correctly, in "the olden days" ladies were not expected to remove their hats during the presentation of our flag and/or the singing of our national anthem.
Although I am a "modern woman," the old ways remain a part of my life (e.g., I anticipate a gentleman will open the door for me). As a consequence, I did not remove my ball cap for the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a recent baseball game.
I was criticized for my disrespect. I do not disrespect the flag or my country. I told the others I would inquire about the current standard.
GENTLE READER: In those olden days, as Miss Manners recalls, ladies did not wear baseball caps.
If you had been wearing a large confection decorated with flowers and birds, you might have invoked that rule -- only to fall afoul of the one against blocking the view of those behind you. A unisex hat should be removed.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)