National Anthem etiquette

[EagleJCS]

I've done a fair amount of reading on protocols for this sort of thing, as I'm involved in the Boy Scouts of America and we occasionally do a few ceremonies, some even with international representatives. (I did some research for a young man who asked for guidance in performing the duties of an honor guard for flag raising/lowering.)

In the U.S., it is customary upon the playing of the U.S. National Anthem (currently The Star-Spangled Banner) to stand and face the U.S. flag (or the source of the anthem when it is being played if no flag is present). See United States Code (USC) Title 36 etc. re: National Anthem for a full description. (Steve has previously noted a Wikipedia article reference, the site I referenced is the online respository of the actual code.)

I have found it to be respectful to stand quietly and remove one’s headgear at the playing of other nation's national anthems as well. It’s not necessary (or expected, unless you’re a citizen of that nation) to salute or ‘render honors’ to their colors.

As far as dipping flags go (as part of ‘rendering honors’), again, check out the USC (this time, Title 4, chapter 1, section 8). The U.S. flag is never dipped (especially not while in the U.S.), unless it is the ensign (the U.S. flag flying on a ship) responding to a salute from a ship of a foreign nation. State or other organization's flags may be dipped in salute.