DEAR ABBY: At sporting events when everyone is asked to remove their hats for the national anthem, does this include females? We attend NFL football games and our grandson's soccer games, and it annoys me when I see women leave their hats on. Doesn't "everyone" also include them? Shouldn't they do this to show their respect for our flag and country? -- STICKLER IN FLORIDA
DEAR STICKLER: Whether a woman's hat should be removed depends on where it is being worn. In a theater or at a wedding, the hat should be removed as a courtesy if it blocks someone's view. At a sporting event, a casual hat should be taken off when the anthem is playing. However, at more formal events, if the hat is part of the woman's ensemble, it usually stays in place.