National Anthem etiquette

[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.