I have a “baseball cap” style hat that I bought about 8 years ago and have rarely worn since.
It is in the style of all the navy veteran military ship caps commonly in use today in the USA, and I believe it was even made by the same company that makes hats for crew and military veterans.
Here’s the thing though – this is a cap for the USS Constellation – a FULL RIG SAILING SHIP in use from 1797-1853 (see https://historicships.org/explore/uss-constellation ). I bought it from a tourist display stand!
I am walking around Disney world this week and I keep getting “THANKED FOR MY SERVICE”. Okay – kind of amusing as I would have had to serve in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR – but then I do nothing to purposefully pose as ex-military (which is very uncool). CAN PEOPLE NOT SEE THE SAILS ON THE BOAT?
My brother thinks I should make light of it (“yes, I served – I climbed the rigging and packed the gun powder… you should have seen those Brits run! Avast ye mates! Walk the plank!”)
I’m thinking of finding another cap to keep my bald head from sunburning… What do you think?
– Zagone
According to your link, the museum ship is the Sloop of War, the second USS Constellation, that went after slave traders during the Civil War.
I can’t tell at a glance which ship is on your hat, the sloop or the original frigate known as the Yankee Racehorse, because I don’t know anything about different sailing ships.
Either way, you’re certainly not “stealing valor” by wearing a hat that celebrates these fine ships.
Depending on the situations you could seize the “teachable moment” and tell the person a little about the ship on your hat. “What? Oh this is the famous Revolutionary/Civil War ship, see it’s a frigate/sloop with sails. She ran the British blockade/ captured slavers and defended America.”
If it’s in passing, you could just let it pass. You probably didn’t understand the first couple of times, you could pretend you still don’t. “Thank you but I’m not military” is an option as well.
It’s probably best to avoid sounding like you’re making fun of people who join the armed forces.
It’s a nice hat!
Its the frigate.
I wouldn’t “play along,” but but a smile and nod or a simple “thanks” is probably ok.