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).

[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

[Father Bill]

Customs will vary from nation to nation and culture to culture. They may also depend on what dress or uniform you are wearing at the time.

[andycwb]

I'd stand up if everyone else did. And possibly attempt to mime if I looked conspicuous. I work on the principle that my singing is so bad it's better if I shut up, even if I do know the words.

Sits, back raises a glass:

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.


Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.

[Father Bill]

I work on the principle that my singing is so bad it's better if I shut up, even if I do know the words.

When I was in the seminary, a martinet of an instructor insisted that we ALL had to learn to chant the service. One fellow argued that there wasn't a chance, and finally told the instructor, "Look: when I sing, the baby Jesus cries." After that, he was allowed to say the mass.

[TJ Kelley]

I remove hat, clasp hand to backside, body direction to the flag. Never understood the hand over the heart, alway took it as a pledge type of salute. Also I believe the dipping of the flag is used when state or organization flags accompany the National flag, only the state/org flag's dip.

In the US we tent to play our anthem at almost any function. I have had friends from several different countries ask me why we do that? My response is usually some arrogant American sarcastic comeback... but I'm really not quite sure why. I mean what is so patriotic about a Monster Truck Jam or any and every sporting event?

[Domehead]

Meaningless opinion to follow...

I carry the Saltire for the Society and the Robertson Red for the Clan:
When carrying the Saltire, I always dip the Saltire for all anthems - as many as four - in the presence of the American Colors or Flag. Head gear stays on.
When carrying the Robertson Red, I martial the banner left arms and stand attentively for all anthems until the American anthem when I place my hand on heart.
On the very rare occasions I am but marching, I stand attentively through all anthems until the American anthem when I remove my bonnet and place hand on heart.

For the record, I did eight years in the US Army and none of my personal observances may relate.

[aonghas]

In many situations like anthems, honour songs, flag songs, veterans songs, entrance of the pipes and drums etc... My wife and I stand, remove my head cover, a lot of the times we are the only ones but my respect is not measured by social conventions, just my own.