National Anthem etiquette

[Peter Crowe]

I don't know that Scotland's anthem is settled Trefor. Certainly Flower of Scotland has become popular since the Calcutta Cup game in 1990. When I was at University (1996-2003), Is There For Honest Poverty, and Hamish Henderson's Freedom come all ye were both popular choices amongst academics in the Scottish History/Scottish Literature areas of study. I would contend also that England has a perfect anthem in William Blake's Jerusalem.

[McClef]

It's perhaps one of those interesting things Peter in that Flower of Scotland is better known inside the British Isles and Scotland The Brave outside of it.

At the senior Scottish University that I had the honour to attend, only two other Scottish songs of potential anthem status featured in our Gaudies besides the above - Scots Wha Hae (which in those days I considered a bit of a dirge) and Flower of Scotland.. Plenty of others such as Three Craws and We're no awa' tae bide awa' were much loved and enjoyed but not seen as qualifying.

As to Jerusalem, Women's Institutes the world over would be upset at losing on of their most famous connections!

[xman]

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

[Sir William]

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.

Since this Act was passed, I stand at attention and salute when outdoors, but just stand at attention when indoors (Marine Corps habits die hard). I've gotten some strange looks when I salute but no one has ever challenged or questioned me.

For other national anthems, I stand at attention in respect but without saluting, which is what we did when serving in multi-national military organizations or formations. This can get a bit long when there are lots of countries represented; we were once in harbor with 9-13 other nations and morning colors lasted at least 30 minutes.

[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?

[Ordway]

Lotus Land is what Vancouver and the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada, is
called by many who reside there. Other not so complimentary terms are sometimes used by those east of the Rocky Mountains.

[piperdbh]

Since the original question has been answered authoritatively and in great detail, here's something new.
It's my opinion that Americans sing (and play) the "Star-Spangled Banner" much too slowly. Somewhere between 120-132 bpm seems much more fitting, to me at least, than the usual 100 (or less) bpm. Does the same hold true for other anthems the world around?

[O'Callaghan]

Here's a question for you. What if they played the Star Spangled Banner and I were to sing the original words that were set to the tune back in 1770?

To Anacreon, in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee,
A few sons of harmony sent a petition,
That he their inspirer and patron would be;
When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian --
Voice, fiddle and flute,
No longer be mute.
I'll lend ye my name, and inspire ye to boot...
And, besides, I'll instruct ye, like me, to entwine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

The news through Olympus immediately flew;
Where Old Thunder pretended to give himself airs --
If these mortals are suffer'd their scheme to pursue,
There's devil a goddess will stay above stairs.
Hark! already they cry,
In transports of joy.
A fig for Parnassus! to Rowley's we'll fly;
And there, my good fellows, we'll learn to entwine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

The yellow-hair'd god, and his nine fusty maids,
To the hill of old Lud will incontinent flee.
Idalia will boast but of tenantless shades,
And the biforked hill a mere desert will be.
My thunder, no fear on't,
Will soon do its errand,
And dam'me! I'll swinge the ringleaders, I warrant.
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Apollo rose up; and said, Pr'ythee ne'er quarrel,
Good king of the gods, with my vot'ries below!
Your thunder is useless -- then, shewing his laurel,
Cry'd, _Sic evitabile fulmen_, you know!
Then over each head
My laurels I'll spread;
So my sons from your crackers no mischief shall dread,
Whilst snug in their club-room, they jovially twine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Next Momus got up, with his risible phiz;
And swore with Apollo he'd cheerfully join --
The full tide of harmony still shall be his,
But the song, and the catch, and the laugh shall be mine;
Then, Jove, be not jealous
Of these honest fellows.
Cry'd Jove, We relent, since the truth you now tell us;
And swear, by Old Styx, that they long shall entwine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Ye sons of Anacreon, then, join hand in hand;
Preserve unanimity, friends and love.
'Tis your's to support what's so happily plan'd;
You've the sanction of gods, and the fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree,
Our toast let it be.
May our club flourish happy, united and free!
And long may the sons of Anacreon entwine,
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

And if you have scrolled through all that, here is a spirited rendition of the same by the Georgia Tech glee club:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqyQO3xhNx0

I suppose the religious right would have kittens, as the words are all about 'heathen' Greek gods and goddesses and getting drunk, LOL!

[seanachie]

I really love Hong Kong, and I wanted very badly to be present for the change over but circumstances did not allow. I do remember and always will Chris Patton choosing to have Highland Cathedral played after the Union Jack was lowered. I just watched the video again and still get moved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWT6383OxRc

No I am not confused, I do understand it is not the national anthem of the UK or Scotland, but a beautiful and patriotic moment.

[Deirachel]

Here's a question for you. What if they played the Star Spangled Banner and I were to sing the original words that were set to the tune back in 1770?

....snip for thread cleanliness....

I suppose the religious right would have kittens, as the words are all about 'heathen' Greek gods and goddesses and getting drunk, LOL!

Considering it was a drinking song, the words aren't that surprising, are they?