Olympic Moment- Rendering Honors

Reader Viki asks:

I don’t know how much you get to watch the Olympics, but if you have, have you noticed that the winners ( in particular the Gold medal winners) receive their medals, and an Olive Wreath worn on their heads? I noticed that a few of the American winners took off this wreath in respect for the playing of the national anthem. (the women I have seen didn’t but my husband informed me that civilian women didn’t have to, unless they were in the service).

Then he said, technically if the Wreath is considered a Crown, then it should be removed. But I guess that most don’t really consider it a HAT, so
my random question is- what do you think? Is it a hat, should it be removed?

Hmmm. First of all, I do not get to see much of the Olympics but have caught a few moments on the big screen in our chow hall and I do recall seeing the wreaths of olive branches that you mentioned. I’d have to agree with your husband on this one, when the National Anthem is played, it is customary to stand, remove any headgear, and place your hand over your heart. I would do the same, unless I happened to be in uniform, then I’d stand rigid at the position of attention and render the hand salute. Either way, it is a means of showing respect, rendering honors to our nation’s colors, the Star Spangled Banner. Women are not required to remove their headgear, but are still expected to stand and render honor.

And I would not conisder them to be “crowns.” We uncivilized yanks don’t do crowns remember, we’re a Republic, of the people and for the people. Well, there’s my answer, for what it’s worth. Sgt Hook out.

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Posted by Hook @ 1533 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Americana

Welcome to Castle Argghhh! The Home Of One Of Jonah's Military Guys. linked with Raising the Next Generation.

Her husband is correct about women and hats. The military is totally different and all remove their hats. But in civilian life, men remove their hats for the playing of the anthem (or when entering a building), women do not. Those were the old rules in the days before baseball caps became the norm.

With the advent of the baseball cap and similar headgear, few ever remove it either when entering a building or when the anthem is playing. It’s just the evolution of society. I have no idea how a wreath should be treated. It’s not a hat, but I think for the men to remove it during the playing of the anthem shows how much respect they have, or how they were brought up (parental or teacher influence here). The women are never taught this, so I could see them leaving it in place.

Comment by Teresa — 20 August 2004 @ 1615

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i say we start bringing back the wreaths as everyday headgear… slap a few team logos on the front leaves and there ya go…

i dig the fact that the US swim team took the wreaths off, the women’s relay team took them off as well when they were on the podium…

Comment by erin — 20 August 2004 @ 1656

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I thought it interesting, we were just questioning who did and didn’t, but then again, it seems as if they really aren’t ‘thinking’ I guess about something like that. Most are too nervous, or blinded by what is going on to even think about it right away. Though, you see them hesitate in doing so. I agree with Erin, the Swim team had it right on. Makes me feel all fuzzy. lol.

Comment by Viki — 20 August 2004 @ 1732

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Raising the Next Generation.
A sight to make a non-hawk liberal’s blood run cold. To me it just brings back good memories of times gone by as an Army brat. Master At Arms 2nd Class Michael Hinton, assigned to Naval Station Everett, Wash., helps…

Trackback by Welcome to Castle Argghhh! The Home Of One Of Jonah's Military Guys. — 20 August 2004 @ 1815

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I agree as about removing them but they are definatelly not crowns. They are just a symbol of honor which comes from teh ancient olympics where this was the only thing the winners were getting. Olive tree is the symbol of Athens thats why

Comment by Jenny — 20 August 2004 @ 1841

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I liked the way the womans swim team belted out the anthem unabashedly.

Comment by Jane — 21 August 2004 @ 0238

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I have noticed that most of our athletes do remove the wreaths, but most of them NEVER sign along with the national anthem, which I find disturbing.

You don’t need to be a great signer in order to belt out your countries national anthem. They should show some pride and respect and sign along.

My six year old daughter signs it everytime she hears it, so should our athletes.

Comment by Matt — 21 August 2004 @ 1236

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I have enjoyed watching Michael Phelps not only take off his laurels, but singing along to our national anthem. Stirs up the pride, yes it does!

Comment by Daeshii — 21 August 2004 @ 1627

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Apparently the Greeks got all kinds of upset the first time the Americans took off the wreaths. From their standpoint, because the top of the head is uncovered, it is okay to leave the thing on… and, in fact, the Greeks felt like it was disrespectful to take the wreath off.

Comment by Omnibus Driver — 23 August 2004 @ 1941

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I remember a long time ago, I competed in an international sports competition. All the competitors were housed at local competitors’ houses. There was a whole program. One of the non-competition events was a trip to a professional football game. Probably the most furious I ever got at another human being was when these two kids, who were friggin’ staying at my house, refused to stand during our national anthem.

Respect. We’ve earned it.

God Bless, Sergeant. And good hunting.

Comment by Chance McChance — 31 August 2004 @ 0203

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