I've also stood with both hands behind my back. But mostly hand over heart.

Let me ask you the same questions I asked above. Do you have a problem with those that don't stand? Don't remove hat? Is that different than not putting your hand over the heart as the policy says?

 

Before anyone lose their mind, I ask this more in the interest of how we all rationalize what we do/believe vs looking to say "You aren't doing it right" especially in our current "you're not doing it right" atmosphere.

 

While I find it unnerving, I have more important things to concern myself with.

 

Now if I see my own kids acting the fool, you better believe I would have a problem with it, they have been taught better.

I'm retired military and put my hand over my heart and do not salute. I don't like bringing attention to myself, and I think that would do it. As for people being disrespectful if people don't put their hand over their heart, as long as people stand, remove their hat, and seem to be showing respect, that's fine as far as I'm concerned.

I typically will stand with my hands crossed behind my back.

 

I do that as well.

I always did hands behind the back. I'll probably do the hand over heart now. Thanks for the info.

Hand over heart, that has been my MO except when I was in the military and rendered a salute. I know some vets and retired military people salute, but I have always felt that would be odd for me to do so even though as a vet it might be seen as acceptable.

I do that as well.

 

Same.

 

Don't see a reason to change it up either.

I was always hands behind my back until I read something on here a few months back. Now I am hand over my heart.

I may just be getting old, but was annoyed at the cheerleaders at a game I was at. One ran from one end of the court to the other to join her friends while the anthem was playing. The rest were standing, more like slouching, eating pizza and talking. The coach was there with them. I really wanted to say something after but my wife wouldn't let me.

 

I'm also the guy that will yell at someone to take their hat off if they haven't done so.

Did not know this policy. If I have a hat it is over my heart while I stand. If not, my hands at my side, body facing the flag and looking at the flag. Probably won't change, and if folks gave a problem with it, it is their problem, not mine.

 

I find it ironic that people who probably hate political correctness get bent out of shape over this the most (how you honor it that is).

 

If I had my druthers, it wouldn't be played it before games, only formal military or government events.

 

Now I don't care that it is and will do what I do.

Hand over heart is standard for civilians. Its obvious most do not know this in the stands.

 

Given the lack of knowing this seems safe to assume its never been taught in school.

I'm always standing with hand over heart. Not being at attention or drawing attention to oneself is disrespectful for me.

I may just be getting old, but was annoyed at the cheerleaders at a game I was at. One ran from one end of the court to the other to join her friends while the anthem was playing. The rest were standing, more like slouching, eating pizza and talking. The coach was there with them. I really wanted to say something after but my wife wouldn't let me.

 

I'm also the guy that will yell at someone to take their hat off if they haven't done so.

 

Always hated when cheerleaders do something during the NA to draw attention to themselves.

I stand, hand over heart, hat removed and face the flag. As a rule I try to reflect on my freedoms and say a prayer of thanks for those who died to provide them. Sometimes I get distracted from that thought process, I admit.

 

If you are standing and paying proper attention to the anthem, facing the flag, then I am OK with your choice of how you show respect. If you are respectful, then I don't mind if you deviate a little from official protocol. Hand over heart, hands in pocket or salute. Your choice.

 

Anyone who intentionally uses that time to make a personal "statement" is being disrespectful in my opinion. Anyone who ignores the moment entirely is throwing shade on America, whether they are on their phone, talking to their neighbor, yelling at someone else to shape up, eating their concessions, or whatever. It is about intent. I don't get worked up over it, it is a personal thing, but I frown in their direction.

 

I realize I can't always know someone's intent or even physical ability. So I will withhold judgement unless you are obviously being disrespectful or you make it known your intention is to mock the ceremony by turning it into a narcissistic exercise. I do not support that choice, wrong avenue.

 

 

If I had my druthers, it wouldn't be played it before games, only formal military or government events.

 

Agree 100%