Wearing a veteran hat is not illegal for someone who did not serve, but most veterans see it as disrespectful, because a veteran cap tells everyone you earned that service. The U.S. Stolen Valor Act targets people who falsely claim military medals to get money or benefits; it does not mention caps. Etiquette is stricter than the law: veteran caps are for veterans, and family members have better ways to show pride. This guide covers the law, the etiquette for families, Vietnam veteran caps and what to do when you see someone wearing one.
Is it illegal to wear a veteran hat if you did not serve?
No, wearing a veteran hat is not illegal by itself in the United States. Federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 704, makes it a crime to fraudulently claim to have received certain military decorations, such as the Purple Heart or the Silver Star, with intent to obtain money, property or another tangible benefit (18 U.S.C. § 704). A 2013 amendment removed plain “wearing” of medals from the law. A cap becomes a legal problem only when it is part of a false claim of service used to get something, such as a veterans discount, a job preference or donations.
Why do veterans care who wears a veteran cap?
Veterans care because a veteran cap is a public statement of service. Strangers thank the wearer, ask where they served and sometimes give a discount, so a non-veteran in a veteran cap accepts respect that belongs to someone else. Caps that name a war, a unit or a combat badge carry the most weight, because they claim specific service that other veterans of that era recognize.
Can family members wear a veteran’s hat?
A family member can wear a veteran’s own cap to honor them, especially after the veteran has died, as long as they do not let others assume they served. If someone thanks you for your service, say whose hat it is. For everyday wear, family members have clearer options: apparel made for families, such as the veteran tees and military family shirts in our apparel collection, says “proud of someone who served” instead of “I served.”
Who can wear a Vietnam veteran hat?
A Vietnam veteran hat is meant for veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. Vietnam veterans came home to a cold reception, and many now wear their caps with pride; that history makes the cap especially personal, and wearing one without that service offends many of them. If you want to honor a Vietnam veteran, National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 is a day to thank them directly.
What should a veteran do during the national anthem while wearing a cap?
A veteran out of uniform may render the military hand salute during the national anthem, and civilians should remove their hats and hold them over the heart. Federal law, 36 U.S.C. § 301, allows members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform to give the military salute (36 U.S.C. § 301). Many veterans still remove their cap and salute or place it over the heart; both are accepted.
How should you respond to someone wearing a veteran hat?
When you see someone wearing a veteran hat, a short “thank you for your service” is welcome; asking which branch or where they served is a good way to start a conversation, if they want one. Do not quiz them to test whether they really served. Most people wearing a veteran cap are veterans, and treating them as suspects hurts the people the cap is meant to honor.
What should you look for in a veteran cap for a veteran?
A veteran cap that a veteran will wear has 3 traits: the right branch or era, an embroidered design that lasts, and an adjustable fit. Muster USA veteran caps use an embroidered front panel, a cotton twill crown and a brass-buckle strap that fits most adults. Compare branch and era designs in our veteran hats and caps collection, or read our guide to gifts for veterans for other ideas.
