National Anthem etiquette

[Ui Meachair]

I suppose I won't hear back on this, since the rabble is so shy about offering opinions, but here goes ...

At games when the various national anthems are being played/sung, what are the protocols for things such as removing headgear, hand over heart, dipping flags, etc.? What is done during the anthem for your own country vs. the others, if it varies? I always feel like I'm wrong no matter what I do. And, if it makes a difference, I'm in the US.

Thanks.

[Chas]

As a UK ex-serviceman, I would remove my hat and stand to attention, facing the flag/band/stage/MC/coffin/centre of attention. We don't do hand over heart in the UK.

I general flags are not dipped. That usually only happens on formal occasions when being reviewed by a Head of State (or representative).

[ThistleDown]

As a UK ex-serviceman, I would remove my hat and stand to attention, facing the flag/band/stage/MC/coffin/centre of attention. We don't do hand over heart in the UK.

I general flags are not dipped. That usually only happens on formal occasions when being reviewed by a Head of State (or representative).

In Canada, as well.

[Downunder Kilt]

Same as in Australia, Chas

[okiwen]

In the US, I stand at attention, facing the flag of honor. During the National Anthem I place my hand over my heart with head gear removed. In the Pac. NW, we hear the Canadian Anthem often. I stand at attention and respectfully face the flag of honor, and allow our visiting Canadians to honor their national colors that is visiting our event.

[Steve Ashton]

As the OP is located in the United States:

The etiquette around the flag and the National Anthem in the United States is set by "The United States Flag Code".

Here is a link to a Wiki article that has a fairly good synopis.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem

• When reciting the Pledge of Allegience , all present should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart, with the exception of those in uniform who shall salute.
• When the national anthem is played or sung:

1. Designation: The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
2. Conduct During Playing: During a rendition of the national anthem:
   
   1. When the flag is displayed:
      
      1. individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
      2. members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
      3. all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
      
      
   2. when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
   
   

The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Sec. 595.) allows the military salute for the flag during the national anthem by members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and by veterans.

[xman]

I always stand and I sing the original words loudly and proudly, not the rewritten ones from the 70's.

[McClef]

I always stand and I sing the original words loudly and proudly, not the rewritten ones from the 70's.

As I cannot actually find Lotus Land on the map could you please elucidate as to which anthem's original words you are referring to?

[Phil]

In my younger days they used to play the national anthem in cinemas at the end of the programme each night and everyone was expected to stand for it. From memory, however, it just prompted a stampede for the exits before the music started. Sorry but can't really help you as it is such a long time since I've actually heard the anthem played anywhere and in Scotland we still remember the infamous verse which perhaps doesn't help.

[McClef]

Thread moved from kilt advice to miscellaneous as not kilt related.

Personally speaking I love to sing an anthem if I know it but would not do the hand on heart thing either even for the UK anthems.

Otherwise I would just stand out of respect.

But if you don't know it then don't try to sing it as a former Secretary of State for Wales learned to his cost - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIwBvjoLyZc