Thank you. I never place my hand over my heart during the National Anthem and sometimes people look at me like I'm doing something wrong. Occasionally, people ask me why I don't. I've always told them it's not appropriate, some think I'm wrong. I'm as patriotic as anyone, but the hand over the heart is not warranted.

 

Here is the law per the united States Congress:

 

 

(a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

 

(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—

(1) when the flag is displayed—

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

 

(B) 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

 

© 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.

Thank you. I never place my hand over my heart during the National Anthem and sometimes people look at me like I'm doing something wrong. Occasionally, people ask me why I don't. I've always told them it's not appropriate, some think I'm wrong. I'm as patriotic as anyone, but the hand over the heart is not warranted.

 

I think this is why you are questioned by people. This may be the reason at Russell football games the PA announcer says: "Please stand for the National Anthem, remove your hats and place your right hand over your heart".

 

I feel very strongly about this for me and my family. Some fans don't even stop walking and face the flag. It's just not important to them. I personally would never say anything to them. It's none of my business what they do.

Here is the law per the united States Congress:

 

 

(a) Designation.— The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

 

(b) Conduct During Playing.— During a rendition of the national anthem—

(1) when the flag is displayed—

(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

 

(B) 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

 

© 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.

 

I stand corrected. Thanks for posting this.

I think this is why you are questioned by people. This may be the reason at Russell football games the PA announcer says: "Please stand for the National Anthem, remove your hats and place your right hand over your heart".

 

I feel very strongly about this for me and my family. Some fans don't even stop walking and face the flag. It's just not important to them. I personally would never say anything to them. It's none of my business what they do.

I stand corrected as well. I guess I was taught incorrectly. I always stand and face the flag and give the respect warranted, but have never placed my hand over my heart because I was told it was improper. Guess I will have to change my practice.

I think after the coin toss is the appropriate time.

I think they should be out there during it lined up. It takes like a minute and a half to do the song so it's not like they're stretched for time or anything. I think the players would find it cool too.

I will be honest as a player being in the locker room hear in the anthem being played kimd of pumped me up. Finishing up pre game speech coach would be quiet during anthem it was last thing before it was go time. I like the idea of being on the field but being in the locker room final preparations ready to go I to battle with your team was a neat feeling

 

This is what I remember as well. We may not have been on the field for the anthem but always took part in the National Anthem from the locker room.

As a former player I didn't like it when we had to line up for the national anthem at certain road games. It messed with my focus and intensity going into the game. I would take my mind off the game and focus on those who sacrificed for our country and how thankful I am to be born and raised here and then have to try to get back in game mode. I was better off being in the locker room where I couldn't hear it. That's probably just me though haha