American Legion
Cap Etiquette

When to Wear

  • Wear for indoor Legion meetings.
    If you are wearing the official uniform cap, you are considered in uniform.
  • Wear Outdoors: Wear the Legion cap at ceremonies, patriotic events, or when officially representing the Legion (as a guest at a public function, for example).
  • Wear Indoors: In places of worship, and for indoor ceremonies, only the Honor/Color Guard and Commander may wear the cap while marching or standing guard. All others uncover upon entering and remain uncovered.
Cap Covering Heart
  • Over Your Heart: Hold the cap over the heart during the Pledge of Allegiance, for prayers, and moments of silence for departed comrades and also during funeral services when approaching the casket and during the graveside service (weather permitting).

When NOT to Wear

  • CARRY IN YOUR RIGHT HAND OVER YOUR HEART when marching indoors to and from seating as part of a formation.
  • DO NOT wear your cap during a meal (male members); drink with discretion.
  • DO NOT wear at controversial events or circumstances which are not approved.
  • DO NOT: wear if cap bears unauthorized pins, nicknames, or embellishments on the fold; right side is OK behind the fold.
  • DO NOT: wear indoor in places of worship (unless part of honor guard).
  • DO NOT: wear in cold/inclement weather.
Legion Cap with pins

Exceptions

  • By American Legion tradition, a female Legionnaire may leave her cap on during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, prayer, and meals.
  • Legionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their caps are advised to refer to National Executive Committee Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30 – May 1, 1964 resolution on the subject.
  • Legionnaires wishing to attach decorations and/or other official insignia to their caps are advised of National Executive Committee Resolution No. 58, adopted by the National Executive Committee, April 30 – May 1, 1964 resolution on the subject.
Legion Caps

How To Configure

  • The left side (emblem side) of the cap is reserved only for the Legion emblem, city, county, district, or state lettering.
  • Names or nicknames of individual members cannot be used on caps.
  • If desired, the following items may be placed only 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