DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please enlighten me on proper flag etiquette? While playing the national anthem at public events, are all people not in uniform or a veteran supposed to remove their hat and place it on left shoulder with hand over the heart, or just men?

I usually hear them say, “Gentlemen, please remove your hats.” Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks. — Bob via email

ANSWER: In the days when most ladies wore decorative hats, they did not remove them as the men did their hats and caps. However, few women wear hats anymore. Here is what emilypost.com says on the topic now:

“In 2007, the U.S. Congress addressed etiquette for the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem in 36 USC 301. When saying the pledge of allegiance, citizens of all ages should stand at attention, face the flag, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart. Men should remove their hats, and women any sports caps. When in uniform, military personnel, firefighters and law enforcement officers give a military salute. Veterans and service personnel out of uniform may give the military salute or place the right hand over the heart.

“Everyone, even very young children, should rise, remain standing and salute by placing the right hand over the heart during the playing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ — first note to last. The anthem isn’t easy to sing, and you need not do so if you don’t have the necessary range. But you must stand quietly until ‘O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave’ has rung out and the music ends.

“If you are on the way to your seat at a sports event, or in any public place, and the first strains of the anthem are heard, stop where you are and stand at attention until the end. Don’t talk, chew gum, eat, or smoke during the singing of the anthem.”

DEAR MS. SUN SPOTS: I am a 58-year-old veteran who is unfortunately incarcerated. 

I purchased a pair of Skechers sneakers earlier this year from Keefe Commissary Services. I think the sneakers have a manufacturing defect as the same problem occurred with others.

When my problem started to occur, I wrote the prison liaison with no response. I then spoke with the Keefe workers, who also knew nothing. By this time it was the middle of September. Keefe does not sell these sneakers anymore.

I then wrote the enclosed Sept. 16 letter to Skechers, no reply. On Sept. 30 I also wrote a letter to the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection as someone suggested. Nothing!

My sneakers are in excellent shape except for a little wear from walking on concrete and now the split in the seam. I feel Skechers should stand behind their product and as a remedy I would like either a cash refund, a coupon or credit toward a new pair.

I would consider a prorated remedy, but I feel there is a manufacturing defect.

Thank you for anything you can do. I should not be treated differently by a manufacturer because I am incarcerated. If I bought these at a local store, the problem would have been resolved already. — Thomas May, Warren

ANSWER: Fair or not, your incarceration does place limits. Even if Skechers wanted to just send you a check, which is unlikely, there is prison protocol regarding funds they must go through to do so.

Plus, most businesses are unwilling to take a customer’s word that a product is no good; they want to see it. If you had mailed them the sneakers immediately, you might have had a chance, but at Skechers.com it says that no product older than 45 days can be returned for credit. 

Although Maine’s consumer protection laws guarantee products for four years, that applies to durable goods (e.g., refrigerators, TVs), not shoes. (This information is wrong, corrected in Nov. 15 column.)

Sun Spots thinks you are out of luck. You could post your complaint on Skechers, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest pages, perhaps with a photo of the sneakers. It may not get any results from the company, but it might make you feel better.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your daily piece has helped so many and is simply the best! The rambunctious Red Hatters would like your help with our local toy drive. Join in the fun of giving. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Auburn Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21.

Toys will be distributed by the Salvation Army. For more information, please contact Queen Regina at 345-9047. Thanks for all your help. — Vice Queen Auntie M, mapleslee777@msn.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link